Genome-wide identification and characterization of the Dof gene family in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens)

Abstract

The Dof (DNA binding with One Finger) family of single zinc finger proteins is a family of plant-specific transcription factors. These transcription factors have a variety of important functions in different biological processes in plants. In the current study, we identified 26 Dof family genes in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens). A complete overview of PhDof genes in moso bamboo is presented, including the gene structures, phylogeny, protein motifs and expression patterns. Phylogenetic analysis of the 26 PhDof proteins identified four classes constituting seven clusters (A, B1, C1, C2, D1, D2 and D3). In addition, a comparative analysis between the Dof genes in moso bamboo, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) was also performed, and several putative paralogous and orthologous genes were identified. The exon numbers in Dof genes ranged from one to three in many plants; however, the exon number in PhDofs ranged from one to four. The PhDof genes displayed differential expression in different parts of the shoot and at different flower development stages. This study represents the first step towards a genome-wide analysis of the Dof genes in moso bamboo. Our study provides a useful reference for cloning and functional analysis of members of the Dof gene family in moso bamboo and other species.