Duplication and Functional Diversification of ANP3-Like Genes (MAPKKKs) in Rosaceae
摘要
ARABIDOPSIS NPK1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASEs (ANPs) belong to the MAPK family and are critical for plant cytokinesis and immunity. However, their role has not been systematically investigated in Rosaceae. In this study, we identified 96 MAPK proteins following screening of the Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’ genome. These proteins were collected into separate clusters, including MAPKKK, MAPKK, and MAPK. We characterized duplication events and expression diversification of HT1, Raf42, Raf24, and ANP3‑like genes within this family. Among these genes, we demonstrated a duplication event of ANP3‑like genes, characterized by a diverged conserved domain sequence, tissue-specific expression, and the presence of a cis-element associated with plant growth and immunity across all Rosaceae. These ANP3‑like genes are evolutionarily conserved, while ANP3-1 in rose and strawberry, and ANP3-3 in apple were implicated in immune responses. Additionally, we predict the duplication of ANP3‑like genes that likely occurred prior to the division between Rosaceae and Leguminosae. Overall, our findings provide a foundation for further functional verification and evolutionary examination of ANPs and MAPKs in Rosaceae.