Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the WRKY Gene Family in the Xerophytic Evergreen Ammopiptanthus nanus

Abstract

The WRKY family of transcription factors plays important roles in plant growth and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Ammopiptanthus nanus, the only evergreen broadleaf shrub endemic to the desert and semi-desert regions of northwestern China, is highly tolerant to various stresses. However, a systematic study of WRKY proteins in A. nanus has not been reported. In the present study, we identified 63 WRKY genes in the A. nanus genome. Based on the conserved WRKY domains, zinc finger structures, and phylogenetic relationships in their encoded proteins, we classified these genes into four groups (group I–IV) and several subgroups (subgroup IIa–IIe). Conserved motif analysis showed that all motifs except those within the WRKY domains had a subfamily-specific distribution. Expression analysis revealed that the AnWRKY genes had distinct expression patterns, with some being more responsive to herbivory and drought stresses than others. Based on the results of our current study, we speculate that AnWRKY40 and AnWRKY48 are positive regulators of the plant’s response to drought and herbivory stresses, respectively. Our results indicate that AnWRKY genes contribute to the ability of A. nanus plants to withstand harsh, dry conditions.