biostudies-literatureFu WThe Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in UniversityHeilongjiang Province Government Postdoctoral Science Foundation404https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11097515biostudies-literatureUnknown24(1)<h4>Background</h4>Ubiquitin-specific proteases (UBPs) are a large family of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). They are widespread in plants and are critical for plant growth, development, and response to external stresses. However, there are few studies on the functional characteristics of the UBP gene family in the important staple crop, maize (Zea mays L.).<h4>Results</h4>In this study, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of the entire maize genome and identified 45 UBP genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 45 ZmUBP genes can be divided into 15 subfamilies. Analysis of evolutionary patterns and divergence levels indicated that ZmUBP genes were present before the isolation of dicotyledons, were highly conserved and subjected to purifying selection during evolution. Most ZmUBP geneBMC plant biologyGenome-wide identification and expression analysis of Ubiquitin-specific protease gene family in maize (Zea mays L.).PMC11097515No. IRT17R99LBH-Q18008Bu YFu WLiu SFan DfalseGenome-wide identification and expression analysis of Ubiquitin-specific protease gene family in maize (Zea mays L.).<h4>Background</h4>Ubiquitin-specific proteases (UBPs) are a large family of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). They are widespread in plants and are critical for plant growth, development, and response to external stresses. However, there are few studies on the functional characteristics of the UBP gene family in the important staple crop, maize (Zea mays L.).<h4>Results</h4>In this study, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of the entire maize genome and identified 45 UBP genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 45 ZmUBP genes can be divided into 15 subfamilies. Analysis of evolutionary patterns and divergence levels indicated that ZmUBP genes were present before the isolation of dicotyledons, were highly conserved and subjected to purifying selection during evolution. Most ZmUBP gene2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 May2026-04-08T19:53:04.144Z2026-04-08T14:33:51.093ZS-EPMC110975153875045110.1186/s12870-024-04953-5