目的 基于黑果枸杞Lycium ruthenicum全基因组数据，系统鉴定LrMATE基因家族成员，解析其结构特征、进化关系及在果实不同着色时期的表达模式，并筛选可能参与花青素转运与积累的候选基因。方法 利用隐马尔可夫模型（hidden markov model，HMM）检索和已知MATE蛋白序列比对鉴定黑果枸杞LrMATE家族成员，并采用生物信息学方法对其蛋白理化性质、染色体定位、系统发育关系、基因结构、顺式作用元件及共线性关系进行分析；结合果实不同发育阶段转录组数据和花青素含量变化，通过基因表达量与花青素含量的相关性分析和WGCNA分析筛选花青素相关候选基因。结果 在黑果枸杞全基因组中共鉴定出53个LrMATE基因，分布于12条染色体上。系统发育分析将其划分为5个亚家族，其中第二亚家族成员最多，共19个，且部分成员与已报道参与植物次生代谢物转运的MATE蛋白聚类较近。结合果实不同发育阶段LrMATE基因表达模式、花青素含量变化及共表达分析结果，推测LrMATE12、LrMATE15、LrMATE23、LrMATE26、LrMATE27、LrMATE37和LrMATE38可能参与黑果枸杞果实着色过程中花青素的转运与积累。结论 系统解析了黑果枸杞LrMATE基因家族的基本特征，并筛选出7可能参与花青素转运与积累的候选基因，为进一步阐明LrMATE基因介导黑果枸杞花青素积累的分子机制提供了重要候选基因资源，也为黑果枸杞花青素等药用活性成分开发、果实品质改良及高花青素种质资源选育提供了理论依据。

Objective Based on the whole-genome data of Lycium ruthenicum, this study aimed to systematically identify members of the LrMATE gene family, characterize their structural features, evolutionary relationships, and expression patterns during different fruit coloration stages, and screen candidate genes potentially involved in anthocyanin transport and accumulation. Methods Members of the LrMATE gene family were identified using hidden Markov model (HMM) searches and sequence alignment with known MATE proteins. Bioinformatics approaches were then used to analyze their physicochemical properties, chromosomal location, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, cis-acting regulatory elements, and syntenic relationships. Combined with transcriptome data from different fruit developmental stages and changes in anthocyanin content, candidate genes related to anthocyanin accumulation were screened through correlation analysis between gene expression levels and anthocyanin content, as well as weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results A total of 53 LrMATE genes were identified in the L. ruthenicum genome and were unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into five subfamilies, among which subfamily II contained the largest number of members, with 19 genes. Some members of this subfamily clustered closely with previously reported MATE proteins involved in the transport of plant secondary metabolites. Based on the expression patterns of LrMATE genes during different fruit developmental stages, changes in anthocyanin content, and co-expression analysis, LrMATE12, LrMATE15, LrMATE23, LrMATE26, LrMATE27, LrMATE37, and LrMATE38 were predicted to be involved in anthocyanin transport and accumulation during fruit coloration in L. ruthenicum. Conclusion This study systematically characterized the LrMATE gene family in L. ruthenicum and identified seven candidate genes potentially associated with anthocyanin transport and accumulation. These findings provide important candidate gene resources for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which LrMATE genes mediate anthocyanin accumulation in L. ruthenicum, and offer a theoretical basis for the development of anthocyanin-related medicinal active components, fruit quality improvement, and the breeding of high-anthocyanin germplasm resources.

R282.12

青海省科技厅基础研究计划项目（2024-ZJ-988）