Genome-Wide Identification of R2R3-MYB Gene Family in Strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) and Functional Characterization of FvMYB103 in Cold Stress

<i>Fragaria vesca</i> L., a widely distributed model species, serves as a key resource for studying the evolution and genetics of the Fragaria genus. Research has shown that R2R3-MYB transcription factors are crucial for plant growth and development. However, their specific role in cold resistance in <i>F. vesca</i> is not well understood. In this study, we used the latest genome data for the strawberry (<i>F. vesca</i> v6.0). We performed a genome-wide identification of the R2R3-MYB gene family in <i>F. vesca</i>. We identified a total of 106 R2R3-FvMYBs. Based on their predicted functions in plants, we classified these genes into 25 distinct subfamilies. We then conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of this family. We performed a detailed examination of the R2R3-FvMYBs structures and physicochemical properties. This analysis provided five key parameters for each protein: molecular weight, the number of amino acids, theoretical isoelectric point, grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY), and instability index. Gene duplication analysis suggested that segmental duplications were a primary driver of the proliferation of this gene family. Promoter cis-acting element prediction revealed that a large proportion of R2R3-FvMYBs possess elements predominantly associated with phytohormone responsiveness and biotic/abiotic stress responses. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) results confirmed that the expression levels of several R2R3-FvMYBs were upregulated under cold stress. Furthermore, compared to wild-type controls, the overexpression of <i>FvMYB103</i> in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> enhanced cold tolerance, accompanied by increases in the relevant physiological indices. Collectively, these findings support further investigation into R2R3-MYB gene family to directly assess their contribution to cold resistance.