PlLBD36 contributes to stem development through interacting with PlNF-YA1 to regulate PlEXPA15 expression in herbaceous peony

Stems play a crucial role in the growth and survival of plants. Previous studies have implicated expansins (EXPs) in stem development, but the upstream regulatory mechanisms related to this process remain unclear. In this study, we identified an α-expansin subfamily gene PlEXPA15 as being highly expressed in the stems of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) and localized to the cell wall. Further investigations revealed that PlEXPA15 could promote stem development by facilitating cortex c