Identification and expression analysis of AP2/ERF gene family in Artemisia argyi

Growth-regulating factor (GRF) genes in Artemisia argyi were identified and analyzed. Bioinformatic analysis on the physiochemical properties, structure, and evolution of the GRF genes, as well as their expressions in different tissues under stresses, of A. argyi was conducted using qRT-PCR. SeventeenAsGRFs were hydrophilic proteins in the phylogenetic evolutionary tree of 4 subfamilies. Those genes of same clade in the evolutionary tree contained a similar or same conserved motif. The members were randomly distributed on 11 chromosomes with promoters of multiple stress- and hormone-responsive elements and one that varied in the response to salinity. The tissue-specific expressions of the genes, including AaGRF05, AaGRF06, AaGRF11, andAaGRF14, peaked in 12h after being exposed to abscisic acid, indoacetic acid, salicylic acid, or methyl jasmonate. The GRF genes associated with the growth and stress regulation of A. argyi were identified, and relevant bioinformatics obtained.