Plant-specific BURP domain-containing genes are involved in plant development and stress responses. However, the role of BURP family in jujube ( Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) has not been investigated.
In this study, 17 BURP genes belonging to four subfamilies were identified in jujube based on homology analysis, gene structures, and conserved motif confirmation. Gene duplication analysis indicated both tandem duplication and segmental duplication had contributed to ZjBURP expansion. The ZjBURPs were extensively expressed in flowers, young fruits, and jujube leaves. Transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR analysis further revealed that ZjBURPs also significantly influence fruit development, and most genes could be induced by low temperature, salinity, and drought stresses. Notably, several BURP genes significantly altered expression in response to low temperature ( ZjPG1) and drought stresses ( ZjBNM7, ZjBNM8, and ZjBNM9).