Genome-Wide Identification and Colchicine-Responsive Expression Profiling of the Tubulins (TUA and TUB) Gene Family in Phoebe bournei

Abstract

Simple Summary Tubulins assemble into mitotic spindles and play vital roles in polyploid formation. However, the tubulin gene family has not previously been characterized in Phoebe bournei, an economically and ecologically important native tree species. Here, we identified 16 tubulin genes and analyzed their evolutionary relationships, gene structures, conserved domains, cis-regulatory elements, tissue-specific as well as colchicine-induced expression patterns. Expression patterns across five tissues revealed that most tubulin transcripts accumulate preferentially in roots and stems. These genes may be involved in root development in P. bournei. Importantly, colchicine treatment induced pronounced downregulation in the expression of almost all tubulin genes. This work systematically characterizes the tubulin family in P. bournei and provides useful information for polyploid breeding.