Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of ApCAT gene family in Alternanthera philoxeroides

Catalase (CAT) is a REDOX enzyme that catalyzes the removal of excess hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from living organisms and reduces H₂O₂ to oxygen and water. CAT has a variety of functions in plant responses to various stresses, which helps protect plant cells from the toxicity of reactive oxygen species. Systematic research of CAT in Alternanthera philoxeroides has not been reported. In this study, 20 ApCAT genes were identified by bioinformatics analysis. They were designated ApCAT1 to ApCAT20 according to their phylogenetic relationships. All 20 ApCATs were hydrophilic proteins. Subcellular localization predictions included the peroxisome for all ApCATs, with some ApCATs additionally predicted the in cell mitochondria, chloroplast, and nucleus. The analysis of expression patterns showed that ApCAT members were less affected by latitude, altitude, temperature, light and moisture conditions, and that their expression levels were relatively stable. Herbicide efficacy testing revealed the best control by 20% clofluropyloxyacetic acid and 13% oxalone. RT-qPCR analysis determined that ApCAT family members were significantly differentially expressed in response to herbicide treatment and participated in plant response to herbicide stress. The findings from the systematic analysis of the basic characteristics and expression patterns of ApCATs family members, and the herbicide induced expression profiles of ApCATs lay a foundation for further studies of the biological functions of ApCATs in the response to herbicide stress in A. philoxeroides.