Systematic investigation, expression analysis of TCP transcription factors in eggplant and functional characterization of SmTCP3 gene involved in response to drought stress
摘要
TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS (TCP) transcription factors are plant-specific transcriptional regulators that play multiple roles in plant growth, development, and various abiotic stresses. In this study, 28 TCP genes were discovered through a comprehensive genome-wide exploration. Phylogenetic assessment demonstrated that the CYC/TB1, CIN, and PCF subclusters encompassed 5 SmTCP, 11 SmTCP, and 12 SmTCP proteins, respectively. Gene structure and protein motifs of SmTCP transcription factors (SmTCPs) revealed that SmTCPs exhibit diverse patterns of intron–exon arrangement and distribution of protein motifs. 28 SmTCPs were localized to 11 chromosomes. In aspects of gene duplication analysis, one pair of tandem replications and two pairs of segment replications were identified in eggplant genome. Subsequently, 18 SmTCP genes were collinear with TCP genes from Arabidopsis, rice, potato or tomato. Moreover, 2 SmTCP genes were collinear with TCP genes in Arabidopsis, potato and tomato. Furthermore, various cis-elements associated with hormones, growth and development, and stress responses were detected within the promoter regions of SmTCP. Moreover, 7 selected SmTCP genes were generally responsive to cold, heat, drought, NaCl and ABA treatments. Additionally, ectopic expression of SmTCP3 gene can improve drought tolerance in yeast and tobacco. These results suggest that SmTCPs are involved in response to abiotic stress, and provide a basis for further functional identification of SmTCPs.