The Lipoxygenase Gene Family in Poplar: Identification, Classification, and Expression in Response to MeJA Treatment

Abstract

<div><p>Background</p><p>Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are important dioxygenases in cellular organisms. LOXs contribute to plant developmental processes and environmental responses. However, a systematic and comprehensive analysis has not been focused on the <i>LOX</i> gene family in poplar. Therefore, in the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the <i>LOX</i> gene family in poplar.</p><p>Results</p><p>Using bioinformatics methods, we identified a total of 20 <i>LOX</i> genes. These <i>LOX</i> genes were clustered into two subfamilies. The gene structure and motif composition of each subfamily were relatively conserved. These genes are distributed unevenly across nine chromosomes. The <i>PtLOX</i> gene family appears to have expanded due to high tandem and low segmental duplication events. Microarray analysis showed that a number of <i>PtLOX</i> genes have different expression pattern across disparate tissues and under various stress treatments. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was further performed to confirm the responses to MeJA treatment of the 20 poplar <i>LOX</i> genes. The results show that the <i>PtLOX</i> genes are regulated by MeJA (Methyl jasmonate) treatment.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>This study provides a systematic analysis of <i>LOX</i> genes in poplar. The gene family analysis reported here will be useful for conducting future functional genomics studies to uncover the roles of <i>LOX</i> genes in poplar growth and development.</p></div