Identification and Expression Analysis of the <i>PIN</i> and <i>AUX/LAX</i> Gene Families in Ramie (<i>Boehmeria nivea</i> L. Gaud)

• Main Authors: Yaning Bao, Xing Huang, Muzammal Rehman, Yunhe Wang, Bo Wang, Dingxiang Peng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-08-01
• Series: Agronomy
• Subjects: auxin; AUX/LAX; PIN; ramie; expression pattern; drought stress
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/9/8/435

Auxin regulates diverse aspects of growth and development. Furthermore, polar auxin transport, which is mediated by the PIN-FORMED (PIN) and AUXIN1/LIKE-AUX (AUX/LAX) proteins, plays a crucial role in auxin distribution. In this study, six <i>PIN</i> and four <i>AUX/LAX</i> genes were identified in ramie (<i>Boehmeria nivea</i> L.). We used qRT-PCR to characterize and analyze the two gene families, including phylogenetic relationships, intron/exon structures, cis-elements, subcellular localization, and the expression patterns in different tissues. The expression of these genes in response to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatment and drought stress was also assessed; the results indicate that most of the <i>BnAUX/LAX</i> and <i>BnPIN</i> genes were regulated as a result of IAA treatment and drought stress. Our study provides insights into ramie auxin transporters and lays the foundation for further analysis of their biological functions in ramie fiber development and adaptation to environmental stresses.