DNA binding with one finger (Dof) proteins have been proven to be involved in multiple biological processes. However, genome-wide identification of the Dof gene family has not been reported for Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum). In this study, 35 FtDof proteins were identified, and they could be divided into nine phylogenetic subgroups. Proteins within the same subgroup had similar gene structure and motif composition. Moreover, abundant cis-acting elements were present in the promoter regions of FtDof genes. Segmental duplication was the primary driving force for the evolution of the FtDof gene family. Synteny analysis indicated that Tartary buckwheat was closer to dicotyledons, and more orthologous Dof genes existed among them. The expression pattern of FtDofs in different tissues and at different fruit developmental stages varied. Different tissues contained several genes that were specifically expressed. FtDof expression was mainly upregulated under methyl jasmonate treatment and downregulated under other hormone treatments. Taken together, FtDofs may play important roles in the growth and development of Tartary buckwheat and in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Therefore, the genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of the Tartary buckwheat Dof gene family lays a foundation for further exploration of the functional characteristics of FtDofs in the future.
Keywords: Dof; Tartary buckwheat; cis-acting elements; hormone; motif; synteny analysis.