Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of NAC Transcription Factor Family Genes during Fruit and Kernel Development in Siberian Apricot

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family is a group of plant-specific transcription factors that have vital roles in the growth and development of plants, and especially in fruit and kernel development. This study aimed to identify members of the NAC gene (PsNACs) family and investigate their functions in siberian apricot (Prunus sibirica). A total of 102 predicted PsNAC proteins (PsNACs) were divided into 14 clades and the genes were mapped to the eight chromosomes in siberian apricot. The PsNACs of the same clade had similar structures. A synteny analysis showed that the PsNACs had close relationships with the NAC genes of japanese apricot (Prunus mume). An expression pattern analysis of the PsNACs revealed many differences in various tissues and at different stages of fruit and kernel development. All eight PsNACs in clade XI have crucial roles in fruit and kernel development. Seven PsNACs (PsNACs 18, 64, 23, 33, 9, 4, and 50) in clades I, III, VI, VII, and XIII are related to fruit development. Eight PsNACs (PsNACs 6, 13, 46, 51, 41, 67, 37, and 59) in clades I, II, V, VIII, and XIII are involved in fruit ripening. Five PsNACs (PsNACs 6, 94, 41, 32, and 17) in clades I, IV, V, VII, and XI regulated the rapid growth of the kernel. Four PsNACs (PsNACs 50, 4, 67, and 84) in clades I, III, V, and XIII affected the hardening of the kernel. Four PsNACs (PsNACs 17, 82, 13, and 51) in clades II, XI, and IX acted on kernel maturation. We have characterized the NAC genes in siberian apricot during this study. Our results will provide resources for future research of the biological roles of PsNACs in fruit and kernel development in siberian apricot.