Genome-wide identification of AP2/EREBP in Fragaria vesca and expression pattern analysis of the FvDREB subfamily under drought stress

Abstract Background Drought is a common phenomenon worldwide. It also one of the main abiotic factors that affect growth and quality strawberry. The dehydration-responsive element binding protein (DREB) members belong to APETALA2/ethylene-responsive (AP2/EREBP) superfamily are unique transcription in plants play important roles stress response. Results Here, total 119 AP2/EREBP genes were identified Fragaria vesca , was divided into AP2, RAV, ERF, DREB, soloist subfamilies, containing 18, 7, 61, 32, member(s), respectively. DREB subfamily further six subgroups (A-1 A-6) based on phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure, conserved motifs, chromosomal location, synteny analysis conducted comprehensively investigate characteristics FvDREBs . Furthermore, transcriptome revealed distinctive expression patterns among FvDREB strawberry exposed drought stress. FvDREB6 A-2 subgroup down-regulated old leaves up-regulated young response drought. qRT-PCR found FvDREB8 from had highest level under Together, analyses with pattern, relationship, motif, promoter suggest FvDREB18 may critical role regulation FvDREB1 FvDREB2 expression. Conclusions Our findings provide new insights potential functions FvDREBs. These should be studied as they appear excellent candidates for tolerance improvement