Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42350946›Full record

ArticleBMC plant biology2026

Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of the BES1-like (VfBES1) gene family in Vernicia fordii reveals its role in floral development.

Chong Ge, Jing Gao, Lin Zhang, Jie Cao, Xiang Li, Junjie Chen

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Article in BMC plant biology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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6 authors.

Chong GeHunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Oil Tea Breeding, College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
Jing GaoXianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 311231, China.
Lin ZhangHunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Oil Tea Breeding, College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
Jie CaoHunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Oil Tea Breeding, College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
Xiang LiHunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Oil Tea Breeding, College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
Junjie ChenHunan Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities of Oil Tea Breeding, College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China. 19862918526@163.com.

Funding

Graduate Research Innovation Project of Hunan Province CX20220705Graduate Research Innovation Project of Hunan Province CX20240709
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundVernicia fordii Hemsl (also known as Tung tree), an significant commercial oil-producing tree species, is a monoecious and diclinous species with male and female flowers on the same inflorescence; however, the molecular mechanisms governing its floral sex determination remain elusive, particularly the genetic basis underlying the skewed female-to-male flower ratio and the evolutionary dynamics of sex-related gene families, which severely restrict targeted breeding for yield enhancement. In the model plant Arabidopsis, the BRI1 EMS SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) transcription factor family plays a crucial role in Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and reproductive development. However, its function remains largely unexplored in woody perennials.

resultsIn this study, we introduce the genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the BES1-like (VfBES1) gene family in the Tung tree for the first time. Integrative multi-omics approaches reveal seven VfBES1 genes that are clustered into three phylogenetically distinct clades, each characterized by clade-specific motifs and structural simplicity. Segmental duplication events (VfBES1-1/VfBES1-5 and VfBES1-4/VfBES1-7) and promoter cis-element enrichment (hormone-responsive and abiotic stress-related motifs) highlight evolutionary innovation and functional diversification. Spatiotemporal expression profiling reveals VfBES1 genes' tissue- and stage-specific roles. VfBES1-1 predominantly expresses in female flowers and fruits, suggesting its possible roles in late-stage sex maintenance or ovule and fruit development. VfBES1-2 and VfBES1-6 exhibit male flower-specific and early floral developmental activation, respectively. Nuclear-localized VfBES1-6 displays co-expression with VfMYB35-1 gene, which is a regulator of male structure degeneration.

conclusionsFindings in this study shed light on the regulatory roles of VfBES1 genes in the floral development of the Tung tree, providing a reference for its precision breeding to enhance flowering synchrony and seed productivity. This study also provides a comparative framework for understanding the functional diversity of BES1-like genes in non-model woody plants.

Indexed as

FlowersGenes, PlantPlant ProteinsGene Expression Regulation, PlantGenome, PlantMultigene FamilyPhylogenyPlant ProteinsBES1-like gene familyFloral developmentGene duplicationMulti-omics analysis.Vernicia fordii

Identifiers

PMID42350946
PMCPMC13560211

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