Identification of Dof Transcription Factors in the Genome of Rosa chinensis

Abstract

The DNA binding with one finger (Dof), as an important transcription factor, plays an important role in growth and development, primary and secondary metabolism, stress resistance, and plant hormone signal transduction. However, the identification and analysis of the Dof transcription factor family in Rosa is rarely reported. In this study, 28 Rosa chinensis Dof (RcDof) members were identified, which were located on seven chromosomes. The RcDofs were divided into 12 subfamilies according to evolutionary analysis. Through motif, gene structure, and cis-acting element analyses of the 12 subfamilies, the functions of RcDofs were analyzed and predicted. Furthermore, the Dof members in R. chinensis ‘Old Blush’ and another three species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Zea mays) were systematically analyzed. Twelve subfamilies were found in these four species and the motifs and gene structures of Dof members in each subfamily were similar, which further proves that the RcDofs analysis is accurate. Through an intra- and interspecies collinearity analysis, it was found that the collinearity between A. thaliana and R. chinensis is closer in comparison. Tissue expression analysis of RcDofs was by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed expressions of the RcDofs are tissue specific. The RcDofs had higher expression in leaves, roots, and flowers than other tissues. Taken together, this study provides valuable information for future research on functional exploration of RcDof genes and molecular breeding in Rosa.