To systematically identify the MAPK gene family members based on the whole-genome data of Prunus sibirica, analyze their bioinformatics characteristics and expression patterns under low-temperature stress, and to reveal the potential functions of these family members in response to low-temperature stress.

Based on the genomic and transcriptomic data of P. sibirica, methods such as genome-wide identification, conserved motif analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and syntenic analysis were used to determine the basic information, physicochemical properties, gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, and response mechanisms under low-temperature stress of MAPK family genes.

A total of 84 MAPK genes were identified in P. sibirica, including 11 PsMAPK, 10 PsMAPKK and 63 PsMAPKKK genes, which were widely distributed across eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified all MAPK family members into three subfamilies: MAPK, MAPKK, and MAPKKK (including MEKK, ZIK, and Raf). Conserved motif analysis revealed that motifs within each subfamily were conserved. Promoter cis-element prediction showed that the promoter regions of 44 genes were enriched in low-temperature-responsive elements. Transcriptome data indicated that 14 MAPK genes were differentially expressed under low-temperature stress, and the expression levels of genes such as PsMAPK1 and PsMAPKKK2 were significantly upregulated with decreasing temperature.

Through comprehensive analysis of the gene structure, chromosomal distribution, and phylogenetic relationships of the MAPK gene family members in P. sibirica, the physicochemical properties and molecular characteristics of the MAPK family members were clarified. Further expression analysis indicated that 14 genes, including PsMAPK1 and PsMAPKK7, are involved in important signaling pathways responding to low-temperature stress.