Genome-wide Identification, Characterization and Expression profile of TALE gene family in (Juglans regia L.)

The three amino acid loop extension (TALE) are essential transcription factors that regulate the differentiation of meristem in plant growth and development. Several studies on the TALE family in plants, including Arabidopsis, rice, and others, have been carried out. However, little is known about the TALE family in walnut. In this study, the genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the TALE gene family was studied comprehensively in walnut. Based on the specific structure of the TALE domain, a total of thirty walnut TALE genes were identified. According to different domains structure and phylogenetic relationships, the JrTALE gene family could be divided into two subfamilies, namely BELL and KNOX. Conserved protein motifs analysis showed that JrTALE contained similar motif structures in the same phylogenetic branch. The JrTALE gene family members had a weak overall codon bias, preferring to use synonymous codons ending in A/U. Expression pattern analysis of the JrTALE family genes showed that JrTALE17 and JrTALE18 were differentially expressed in female and male flower buds. We confirmed that JrTALE3, JrTALE5, JrTALE7, JrTALE10, JrTALE15 and JrTALE22 were differentially expressed between different stages of flower bud development by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). This study provides valuable information about the TALE family in the transitional development of walnut flower buds, laying the foundation for a better understanding of the TALE family in walnut.