biostudies-literatureZhang MNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaLeading Scientist Project of Qinghai Province808https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12462283biostudies-literatureUnknown26(1)<h4>Background</h4>Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a widely cultivated turfgrass and forage species. AP2/ERF transcription factors play indispensable roles in plant growth and development, particularly in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, comprehensive knowledge of this family in perennial ryegrass remains underexplored.<h4>Results</h4>In this study, a total of 172 LpAP2/ERF genes were identified in the perennial ryegrass genome and renamed according to their chromosomal distribution. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses were performed using rice to investigate the evolution of the AP2/ERF genes in perennial ryegrass. These 172 LpAP2/ERF genes were categorized into four distinct subfamilies: the AP2 subfamily (25), the ERF subfamily (84), the DREB subfamily (59), anBMC genomicsGenome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily in perennial ryegrass.PMC12462283Grant No.2023-NK-147-2Grant No. 32271757Hu TLi CHu JZhang MfalseGenome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily in perennial ryegrass.<h4>Background</h4>Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a widely cultivated turfgrass and forage species. AP2/ERF transcription factors play indispensable roles in plant growth and development, particularly in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, comprehensive knowledge of this family in perennial ryegrass remains underexplored.<h4>Results</h4>In this study, a total of 172 LpAP2/ERF genes were identified in the perennial ryegrass genome and renamed according to their chromosomal distribution. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses were performed using rice to investigate the evolution of the AP2/ERF genes in perennial ryegrass. These 172 LpAP2/ERF genes were categorized into four distinct subfamilies: the AP2 subfamily (25), the ERF subfamily (84), the DREB subfamily (59), an2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-05-01T03:20:27.236Z2026-05-01T03:10:57.41ZS-EPMC124622834099351910.1186/s12864-025-11912-3