Genome-Wide Analysis of the<i>TCP</i>Gene Family in Switchgrass (<i>Panicum virgatum</i>L.)

Abstract

The plant-specific transcription factor TCPs play multiple roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, a genome-wide analysis of TCP proteins and their roles in salt stress has not been declared in switchgrass (<i>Panicum virgatum</i> L.). In this study, 42 PvTCP genes (<i>PvTCPs</i>) were identified from the switchgrass genome and 38 members can be anchored to its chromosomes unevenly. Nine <i>PvTCPs</i> were predicted to be <i>microRNA319</i> (<i>miR319</i>) targets. Furthermore, <i>PvTCPs</i> can be divided into three clades according to the phylogeny and conserved domains. Members in the same clade have the similar gene structure and motif localization. Although all <i>PvTCPs</i> were expressed in tested tissues, their expression profiles were different under normal condition. The specific expression may indicate their different roles in plant growth and development. In addition, approximately 20 <i>cis</i>-acting elements were detected in the promoters of <i>PvTCPs</i>, and 40% were related to stress response. Moreover, the expression profiles of <i>PvTCPs</i> under salt stress were also analyzed and 29 <i>PvTCPs</i> were regulated after NaCl treatment. Taken together, the <i>PvTCP</i> gene family was analyzed at a genome-wide level and their possible functions in salt stress, which lay the basis for further functional analysis of <i>PvTCPs</i> in switchgrass.