The origin, evolution, and diversification of MADS-box transcription factors in green plants.

MADS-box genes are among the most important regulatory elements in eukaryotes and have undergone substantial diversification during the evolution of green plants (Viridiplantae). Although the evolution and function of MADS-box genes have been studied extensively, our understanding of their origin and diversification in Viridiplantae remains incomplete. Here, we performed systematic analyses of genomic data from 551 representative eukaryotes, focusing on both sequences and protein structures, to clarify the evolutionary history of MADS-box genes across green-plant lineages.