Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiling of ADF Family Genes in Solanum lycopersicum L.

Abstract

The actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) proteins have growth, development, defense-related and growth regulatory functions in plants. The present study used genome-wide analysis to investigate <i>ADF</i> family genes in tomato. Eleven tomato <i>ADF</i> genes were identified and differential expression patterns were found in different organs. <i>SlADF6</i> was preferentially expressed in roots, suggesting its function in root development. <i>SlADF1</i>, <i>SlADF3</i> and <i>SlADF10</i> were predominately expressed in the flowers compared to the other organs and specifically in the stamen compared to other flower parts, indicating their potential roles in pollen development. The comparatively higher expression of <i>SlADF3</i> and <i>SlADF11</i> at early fruit developmental stages might implicate them in determining final fruit size. <i>SlADF5</i> and <i>SlADF8</i> had relatively higher levels of expression five days after the breaker stage of fruit development, suggesting their possible role in fruit ripening. Notably, six genes were induced by cold and heat, seven by drought, five by NaCl, and four each by abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and wounding treatments. The differential expression patterns of the <i>SlADF</i> genes under different types of stresses suggested their function in stress tolerance in tomato plants. Our results will be helpful for the functional characterization of <i>ADF</i> genes during organ and fruit development of tomato under different stresses.