| Summary: | AT-hook motif nuclear localized (AHL) is a transcription factor that can directly induce plant somatic embryogenesis without adding exogenous hormones. One of its functional domains, the AT-hook motif, has a chromatin-modifying function and participates in various cellular processes, including DNA replication and repair and gene transcription leading to cell growth. <i>Liriodendron chinense</i> (Hemsl.) Sargent is an important ornamental and timber tree in China. However, its low drought-resistant ability further leads to a low natural growth rate of its population. Based on bioinformatics analysis, this study identified a total of 21 <i>LcAHLs</i> in <i>L. chinense</i>. To explore the expression pattern of the <i>AHL</i> gene family under drought and somatic embryogenesis, we performed a systematic analysis including basic characteristics, gene structure, chromosome localization, replication event, cis-acting elements and phylogenetic analyses. According to the phylogenetic tree, the 21 <i>LcAHL</i> genes are divided into three separate clades (Clade I, II, and III). Cis-acting element analysis indicated the involvement of the <i>LcAHL</i> genes in drought, cold, light, and auxin regulation. In the generated drought stress transcriptome, a total of eight <i>LcAHL</i> genes showed increased expression levels, with their expression peaking at 3 h and leveling off after 1 d. Nearly all <i>LcAHL</i> genes were highly expressed in the process of somatic embryogenesis. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the <i>LcAHL</i> gene family and found that <i>LcAHLs</i> take part in resistance to drought stress and the development of somatic embryos. These findings will provide an important theoretical basis for understanding of the <i>LcAHL</i> gene function.
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