TCP genes: a family snapshot ten years later

TheArabidopsis thalianaTCP transcription factors: A broadening horizon beyond development

“…[1][2][3] This protein family is represented by 4 founding members, including TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 (TB1), CYCLOIDEA (CYC), PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN FACTOR1 (PCF1) and PCF2, which are identified on the basis of either their functions in plant development or their DNA binding capacities. [4][5][6][7][8] Whereas TB1 suppresses lateral branching in maize (Zea mays) and CYC controls floral dorsoventral asymmetry in snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), PCF1 and PCF2 promote cell proliferation and organ growth in rice (Oryza sativa).…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] According to the differential features within the plant-specific TCP domain, TCP proteins can be distinguished into 2 divergent types, including the class I (TCP-P) and class II (TCP-C), and the latter is further divided into 2 subgroups, namely ubiquitous CINCINNATA (CIN) and angiosperm-specific CYC/TB1. 2,9 Interestingly, TCP proteins have in common a short a-helical L**LL motif located in the second helix of the DNA-binding domain. 1 In both animals and plants, the hydrophobic face formed by the conserved leucine residues in the L**LL motif has been demonstrated to mediate protein interactions.…”

“…9 During the evolution of land plants, subfunctionalization of duplicated genes, followed by neofunctionalization, expands the TCP gene family to comprise a multitude of members in gymnosperms and angiosperms. 2,9 Duplication and subsequent diversification occurring in the ECE (CYC/TB1) clade of TCP proteins exemplify the evolution of this ancient family. 15 Phylogenetic analysis reveals that 3 major copies of CYC have arisen from duplication events predating the core eudicots.…”

“…15 Phylogenetic analysis reveals that 3 major copies of CYC have arisen from duplication events predating the core eudicots. 15 A genome-wide extensive survey identifies a complement of more than 20 TCPs in Arabidopsis, rice, poplar (Populus trichocarpa), grapevine (Vitis vinifera), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) 2,22 (Fig. 1).…”

Spore formation in plants: SPOROCYTELESS and more

“…By using yeast 2-hybrid screens, Wei et al show that the N-terminus of SPL interacts with transcription factors of the TCP (TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/ CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR) family [7]. Moreover, overexpression of SPL resulted in phenotypes resembling loss-of-function mutants in the class II TCP genes that are required for leaf development, suggesting that ectopic SPL interferes with TCP functions in the leaf.…”