Analyses of Sequence Features and Expression Patterns of DOF Transcription Factor Genes in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a cereal crop that is tolerant to drought, high-temperature and poor-nutrient stresses throughout its life cycle. The DOF (DNA binding with One Finger) family genes encode plant-specific zinc finger transcription factors. These transcription factors have a variety of functions and can be involved in regulating the stress tolerance of pearl millet. In this study, we identified 12 DOF family genes (PgDOFs) in pearl millet. Ten of them were distributed on four chromosomes and the other two were on scaffolds (i.e., non-chromosomal sequences). Protein sequence analysis showed that PgDOFs have the DOF domain in their N-terminal regions and that other conserved motifs are also present in them. PgDOFs and DOF proteins from five other plant species were divided into seven groups, and the 12 PgDOFs could be classified into six of those seven groups. In gene expression analysis, most PgDOFs were upregulated by cold, heat, dehydration and salinity stress. These data can be useful for further characterization of the PgDOFs.