Genome-Wide Analysis of the NAC Domain Transcription Factor Gene Family in Theobroma cacao

Abstract

As a plant-specific transcription factor, the NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) domain protein plays an important role in plant growth and development, as well as stress resistance. Based on the genomic data of the cacao tree, this study identified 102 cacao <i>NAC</i> genes and named them according to their location within the genome. The phylogeny of the protein sequence of the cacao tree <i>NAC</i> family was analyzed using various bioinformatic methods, and then divided into 12 subfamilies. Then, the amino-acid composition, physicochemical properties, genomic location, gene structure, conserved domains, and promoter cis-acting elements were analyzed. This study provides information on the evolution of the <i>TcNAC</i> gene and its possible functions, laying the foundation for further research on the <i>NAC</i> family.