Genome-wide identification and characterization of Dof transcription factors in eggplant ( <i>Solanum melongena</i> L.)

Abstract

Eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) is an important vegetable cultivated in Asia, Africa and southern Europe and, following tomato and pepper, ranks as the third most important solanaceous vegetable crop. The <i>Dof</i> (DNA-binding with one finger) family is a group of plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The genes in the Dof family have been identified and analysed in many plant species, but the information remains lacking for eggplant. In the present study, we identified 29 <i>SmeDof</i> members from the eggplant genome database, which were classifed into nine subgroups. The phylogeny, gene structure, conserved motifs and homologous genes of <i>SmeDof</i> genes were comprehensively investigated. Subsequently, we analysed the expression patterns of <i>SmeDof</i> genes in six different eggplant subspecies. The results provide novel insights into the family of <i>SmeDof</i> genes and will promote the understanding of the structure and function of <i>Dof</i> genes in eggplant, and the role of <i>Dof</i> expression during stress.