Abstract
BACKGROUND: In citrus, genetic improvement via biotechnology is hindered by the obstacle of in vitro regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE). Although a few B3 transcription factors are reported to regulate embryogenesis, little is known about the B3 superfamily in citrus, and which members might be involved in SE. RESULTS: Genome-wide sequence analysis identified 72 (CsB3) and 69 (CgB3) putative B3 superfamily members in the genomes of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis, polyembryonic) and pummelo (C. grandis, monoembryonic), respectively. Genome duplication analysis indicated that segmental and tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the B3 superfamily in citrus, and that the B3 superfamily evolved under the effect of purifying selection. Phylogenetic relationships were well supported by conserved gene structure and motifs outside the B3 domain, which allowed possible functions to be inferred by comparison with homologous genes from Arabidopsis. Expression analysis identified 23 B3 superfamily members that were expressed during SE in citrus and 17 that may play functional roles at late SE stages. Eight B3 genes were identified that were specific to the genome of polyembryonic sweet orange compared to monoembryonic pummelo. Of these eight B3 genes, CsARF19 was found to be specifically expressed at higher levels in embryogenic callus (EC), implying its possible involvement in EC initiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a genome-wide analysis of the citrus B3 superfamily, including its genome organization, evolutionary features and expression profiles, and identifies specific family members that may be associated with SE.