Systematic Analysis and Functional Characterization of the PLATZ Transcription Factors in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding (PLATZ) proteins play indispensable roles in regulating plant growth and development. The family genes have been reported in multiple species, while systematic research about the family in moso bamboo has not been carried out yet. Here, a total of 90 PLATZ genes were collected and identified in moso bamboo and four other gramineous plants and they were divided into five subfamilies. Subsequently, we analyzed the gene structures and conserved motifs of these genes and found the exon/intron distribution patterns of members from the same subfamilies were similar. The result of the non-synonymous/synonymous ratios of paralogous and orthologous during evolution suggested that the PLATZ family underwent strong purification selection. The expression pattern analysis of PhePLATZ genes using publicly available transcriptome data exhibited that the expression level of some PhePLATZs was significantly up-regulated after Gibberellins (GA) treatment and Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) treatment. More importantly, the majority of members in group I and a member in group II had strong response to dehydration and cold stress treatment. According to co-expression network and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, we further screened out several key PLATZ proteins that may perform significant functions in responding to abiotic stress. Additionally, subcellular localization experiments showed that six selected PhePLATZs were nuclear localized. Our results provide us with a better insight into the evolution of PLATZ genes and offer guidance for systematic analysis and further functional study of PLATZ genes in moso bamboo.