Genome-Wide Identification of WOX Genes in Korean Pine and Analysis of Expression Patterns and Properties of Transcription Factors

Simple SummaryIn this study, theWOXgene family of Korean pine was analyzed, and 21 family members were identified using bioinformatics methods. The results showed that the total number of amino acids in all proteins is between 164 and 488 aa, with molecular weights between 18,456.30 and 53,893.18 Da and isoelectric point values between 5.56 and 9.80. According to the predicted results, the average hydrophilicity coefficient of thePkWOXproteins is between −0.993 and −0.565. The phylogenetic tree divides thePkWOXgenes into three sub-branches. A total of 21PkWOXgenes are unevenly distributed on 7 of 12 chromosomes. ThePkWOXpromoters contain cis-acting elements such as stress response, light response, hormone response, and meristem regulation. GO entry forPkWOXis a biological process and molecular function.PkWOX16was expressed in all tissues.PkWOX2,3had higher expression in the embryonic callus, non-embryonic callus, somatic embryo, and zygotic embryo.PkWOX2,3,and16were located in the nucleus and in the cell membrane. ThePkWOX2and3proteins exhibited transcriptional self-activation activity, whilePkWOX16did not. In this study, the members of the WOX transcription factor family were identified and systematically analyzed in Korean pine, laying a foundation for the research on their functions.(1) Background:WOX(WUSCHEL-related homologous box) is a plant-specific transcription factor involved in plant development and stress response. It has been reported to be involved in processes such as growth and development, stem cell division and differentiation, and organ development; (2) Methods: In this study, bioinformatics was used to identify and analyze theWOXgene family of Korean pine. The gene characteristics were identified and analyzed through yeast transcriptional activation assays as well as subcellular localization experiments; (3) Results: A total of 21 members of theWOXgene family of Korean pine were identified in this study. The phylogenetic tree divides thePkWOXgenes into three sub-branches. 21PkWOXgenes are unevenly distributed on 7 of the 12 chromosomes.PkWOX16was expressed in all tissues.PkWOX2,3had higher expression in the embryonic callus, non-embryonic callus, somatic embryo, and zygotic embryo.PkWOX2,3and16were located in the nucleus and in the cell membrane. ThePkWOX2and3proteins exhibited transcriptional self-activation activity, whilePkWOX16did not; (4) Conclusions: In this study, the members of the WOX transcription factor family in Korean pine were identified and systematically analyzed, laying a foundation for their subsequent functional research.