Genomic identification of the gene family in apple and functional analysis of involved in flowering transition.

Unlabelled: Apple is a crucial economic product extensively cultivated worldwide. Its production and quality are closely related to the floral transition, which is regulated by intricate molecular and environmental factors. () is a transcription factor that is involved in regulating plant growth and development, with certain play significant roles in regulating flowering. However, there is little information available regarding and their role in apple flowering development. In the present study, 51 NF-Y proteins were identified and classified into three subfamilies, including 11 MdNF-YAs, 26 MdNF-YBs, and 14 MdNF-YCs, according to their structural and phylogenetic features. Further functional analysis focused on Overexpression of in resulted in earlier flowering compared to the wild-type plants. Subcellular localization confirmed was located in the nuclear. Interaction between MdNFY-B18 and MdNF-YC3/7 was demonstrated through yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and the dual-luciferase reporter assays showed MdNF-YB18 could bind the promoter of and activate its expression. Moreover, this activation was enhanced with the addition of MdNF-YC3 and MdNF-YC7. Additionally, MdNF-YB18 also could interact with (). This study lays the foundation for exploring the functional traits of MdNF-Y proteins, highlighting the crucial role of in activating in .

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01524-2.