@Article{phyton.2026.081526,
AUTHOR = {Shaowei Zhang, Bingbing Li, Xiaogai Zhao, Guoqiang Fan},
TITLE = {Comprehensive Analyses of the <i>PfGRF</i> Transcription Factor Family and Its Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses},
JOURNAL = {Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany},
VOLUME = {95},
YEAR = {2026},
NUMBER = {5},
PAGES = {--},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/phyton/v95n5/67469},
ISSN = {1851-5657},
ABSTRACT = {Growth regulatory factor (GRF) genes play a crucial role in plant growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, and stress resistance. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide integrated analysis of transcriptome and miRNA expression profiles in <i>Paulownia fortunei</i> challenged by phytoplasma infection, with a specific focus on elucidating the functional landscape of the <i>PfGRF</i> transcription factor (TF) family. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the <i>PfGRF</i> TF family. A total of 16 <i>PfGRF</i> genes were identified in this study, among which 13 were located on the chromosomes of <i>P. fortunei</i>. They were divided into six groups based on amino acid sequences. Notably, proteins within the same subgroup exhibited remarkable structural conservation, whereas significant inter-subgroup divergence was observed, suggesting functional specialization. Evolutionary expansion of the <i>PfGRF</i> family was primarily driven by segmental duplication events, highlighting a key mechanism underlying genetic redundancy and functional diversification in this lineage. Segmental duplication was the main mechanism of <i>PfGRF</i> family expansion. Cis-acting elements responsive to phytohormones and abiotic stresses were detected in the promoter regions of the <i>PfGRFs</i>. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation technology confirmed the interaction between PfGRF14 and PfGIPa. This work lays a foundation for future research into the functions of the <i>PfGRF</i> TF family, and provides a reference for studies of the mechanism of Paulownia Witches’ broom (PaWB) development.},
DOI = {10.32604/phyton.2026.081526}
}