Genome-wide identification and expression profiles of ERF subfamily transcription factors in<i>Zea mays</i>

Abstract

The Ethylene-Response Factor (ERF) subfamily transcription factors (TFs) belong to the APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily and play a vital role in plant growth and development. However, identification and analysis of the ERF subfamily genes in maize have not yet been performed at genome-wide level. In this study, a total of 76 ERF subfamily TFs were identified and were found to be unevenly distributed on the maize chromosomes. These maize ERF (ZmERF) TFs were classified into six groups, namely groups B1 to B6, based on phylogenetic analysis. Synteny analysis showed that 50, 54, and 58 of the <i>ZmERF</i> genes were orthologous to those in rice, Brachypodium, and Sorghum, respectively. <i>Cis</i>-element analysis showed that elements related to plant growth and development, hormones, and abiotic stress were identified in the promoter region of <i>ZmERF</i> genes. Expression profiles suggested that <i>ZmERF</i> genes might participate in plant development and in response to salinity and drought stresses. Our findings lay a foundation and provide clues for understanding the biological functions of ERF TFs in maize.