Genome-wide identification and analysis of TCP transcription factors in bermudagrass

TCP transcription factors are a class of plant-specific transcription factors that play a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a widely used and economically important warm-season turfgrass with well-developed rhizomes and stolons. In this study, 65 TCP transcription factor genes belonging to three subfamilies, PCF, CIN and CYC/TB1, were successfully identified from the bermudagrass genome. Chromosomal localization analysis showed that the 65 TCP genes were unevenly distributed on 36 chromosomes of bermudagrass, and collinear analysis indicated that tandem replication mechanisms acted on these TCP genes. Analysis demonstrated that gene structures and protein structural domains of TCP transcription factors of the three subfamilies were highly conserved. Subcellular localization predictions showed that TCP transcription factors are able to localize in the nucleus, chloroplasts and mitochondria. Analysis of promoter elements revealed a variable number of hormone response cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of different TCP transcription factor genes. Transcriptomic data showed that TCP genes have different patterns of tissue expression, which were particularly evident in stolons and rhizomes. This study provides a basis for further exploration of the role of TCP transcription factors in stem specialization and growth and development of bermudagrass.