Evolution, Structural and Functional Characteristics of the MADS-box Gene Family and Gene Expression Through Methyl Jasmonate Regulation in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer

<i>MADS-box</i> genes are essential for plant development and secondary metabolism. The majority of genes within a genome exist in a gene family, each with specific functions. Ginseng is an herb used in medicine for its potential health benefits. The <i>MADS-Box</i> gene family in Jilin ginseng has not been studied. This study investigated the evolution and structural and functional diversification of the <i>PgMADS</i> gene family using bioinformatics and analyzed gene expression through methyl jasmonate (MeJA) regulation. The results revealed that the evolution of the <i>PgMADS</i> gene family is diverged into ten clusters of a constructed phylogenetic tree, of which the <i>SOC1</i> cluster is the most prevalent with a higher number of <i>PgMADS</i> genes. Despite their distinct evolutionary clusters, a significant number of members contains common conserved motifs. The <i>PgMADS</i> gene family was functionally differentiated into three primary functional categories, biological process, molecular function, and cellular component. Their expression is variable within a tissue, at a developmental stage, and in cultivars. Regardless of the diversity of the functions of <i>PgMADS</i> genes and evolution, their expression correlated and formed a co-expression gene network. Weighted gene co-expression network analyses identified hub genes that could be regulating ginsenoside biosynthesis. Interestingly, the family also is involved in MeJA regulation. These findings provide a valuable reference for future investigations on <i>PgMADS</i> genes.