Identification and Analysis of the EIN3/EIL Gene Family in Populus × xiaohei T. S. Hwang et Liang: Expression Profiling during Stress

The ethylene-insensitive 3-like (EIN3/EIL) gene family, as a transcriptional activator in plants, not only plays an important role the ethylene-signaling pathway regulating plant growth and development but also participates defense against various biotic abiotic stresses. However, there are few studies on functions of EIN3/EIL genes woody plants. Populus × xiaohei is kind tree species with strong drought resistance salt-alkali tolerance and, thus, ideal subject for studying stress mechanisms trees. Eight were cloned from xiaohei. Bioinformatic analysis showed that PsnEIN3/EIL contained highly conserved EIN3 domain, N-terminal sites rich proline glutamine, other family structural characteristics. results multi-species phylogenetic proteins divided into three groups (A, B, C). EIL3 EIL4 belonged to A while EIL2 generally group C. Analysis tissue expression characteristics was expressed different tissues involved stem nodes leaves. response under abscisic acid (ABA) stresses (salts, heavy metals, alkaline conditions, drought) changes expression, suggesting may be processes hormone responses salts, drought. This study provides foundation further elucidation forest responses.