Genome-Wide Identification of WOX Genes in Korean Pine and Analysis of Expression Patterns and Properties of Transcription Factors

(1) Background: <i>WOX</i> (WUSCHEL-related homologous box) is a plant-specific transcription factor involved in plant development and stress response. It has been reported to be involved in processes such as growth and development, stem cell division and differentiation, and organ development; (2) Methods: In this study, bioinformatics was used to identify and analyze the <i>WOX</i> gene family of Korean pine. The gene characteristics were identified and analyzed through yeast transcriptional activation assays as well as subcellular localization experiments; (3) Results: A total of 21 members of the <i>WOX</i> gene family of Korean pine were identified in this study. The phylogenetic tree divides the <i>PkWOX</i> genes into three sub-branches. 21 <i>PkWOX</i> genes are unevenly distributed on 7 of the 12 chromosomes. <i>PkWOX16</i> was expressed in all tissues. <i>PkWOX2</i>, <i>3</i> had higher expression in the embryonic callus, non-embryonic callus, somatic embryo, and zygotic embryo. <i>PkWOX2</i>, <i>3</i> and <i>16</i> were located in the nucleus and in the cell membrane. The <i>PkWOX2</i> and <i>3</i> proteins exhibited transcriptional self-activation activity, while <i>PkWOX16</i> did not; (4) Conclusions: In this study, the members of the WOX transcription factor family in Korean pine were identified and systematically analyzed, laying a foundation for their subsequent functional research.