Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic and expression pattern analysis of Dof transcription factors in blueberry ( L.).

Background: DNA binding with one finger (Dof) proteins are plant-specific transcription factor (TF) that plays a significant role in various biological processes such as plant growth and development, hormone regulation, and resistance to abiotic stress. The Dof genes have been identified and reported in multiple plants, but so far, the whole genome identification and analysis of Dof transcription factors in blueberry ( L.) have not been reported yet.

Methods: Using the Vaccinium genome, we have identified 51 genes in blueberry. We have further analyzed their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, collinear analysis, selective evolutionary pressure, cis-acting promoter elements, and tissue and abiotic stress expression patterns.

Results: Fifty-one genes were divided into eight subfamilies, and the genes in each subfamily contained similar gene structure and motif ordering. A total of 24 pairs of colinear genes were screened; genes expanded mainly due to whole-genome duplication, which was subjected to strong purifying selection pressure during the evolution. The promoter of genes contains three types of cis-acting elements for plant growth and development, phytohormone and stress defense responsiveness. Expression profiles of genes in different tissues and fruit developmental stages of blueberry indicated that and might play a specific role in anthesis and fruit growth and development. Expression profiles of genes in different stress indicated that , , and were highly sensitive to abiotic stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for further clarifying the biological function of genes in blueberry.