Identification and analysis of MATE protein family in Gleditsia sinensis

Many studies have shown that multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) is a new secondary transporter family that plays a key role in secondary metabolite transport, the transport of plant hormones and disease resistance in plants. However, detailed information on this family in Gleditsia sinensis has not yet been reported. In the present study, a total of 45 GsMATE protein members were identified and analysed in detail, including with gene classification, phylogenetic evaluation and conserved motif determination. Phylogenetic analysis showed that GsMATE proteins were divided into six subfamilies. Additionally, in order to understand these members’ regulatory roles in growth and development in G. sinensis, the GsMATEs expression profiles in different tissues and different developmental stages of thorn were examined in transcriptome data. The results of this study demonstrated that the expression of all MATE genes varies in roots, stems and leaves. Notably, the expression levels of GsMATE26, GsMATE32 and GsMATE43 differ most in the early stages of thorn development, peaking at higher levels than in later stages. Our results provide a foundation for further functional characterisation of this important class of transporter family in G. sinensis.