Identification and expression analysis of the bZIP and WRKY gene families during anthocyanins biosynthesis in Lagerstroemia indica L

Abstract

Lagerstroemia indica is a summer ornamental flowering tree, belonging to the Lythraceae family. Its flower color is a key ornamental characteristic. Recent research indicates that WRKY and bZIP transcription factors play important role in flower color formation. Based on the transcriptome database of L. indica, this study identified 85 LibZIPs and 61 LiWRKYs from the L. indica transcriptome database and analyzed their expression profiles using qRT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis divided LibZIPs into 11 subfamilies and LiWRKYs into six subfamilies. Nine LibZIPs and four LiWRKYs were found to have higher expression in colored samples compared to the white sample. LibZIP31, LibZIP65, LibZIP34, LiWRKY16, LiWRKY25, LiWRKY40, and LiWRKY67 may play important roles in flower color formation in L. indica. These results provide valuable information for further functional analysis of the bZIP and WRKY genes families in L. indica and help clarify their roles in flower color formation.