DOF gene family in P. sativum (L.): comprehensive genomic identification, phylogenetic examination, evolutionary...

Pea (Pisum sativum), one of the earliest domesticated crops, belongs to the subfamily Papilionoideae within the legume family. This annual cold-season legume demonstrates strong adaptability, a brief growth period, and considerable genetic diversity. DNA binding with one finger (DOF) represents a significant family of transcription factors, and research indicates that several members of this family play crucial roles throughout the plant life cycle and in responses to abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive analysis of the DOF family in P. sativum remains to be undertaken.

In this study, we identified and characterized 37 DOF genes in pea (Pisum sativum, hereafter referred to as PsDOF). We performed a comprehensive analysis of the evolutionary relationships, classifications, and gene duplication events associated with these PsDOF genes. The 37 PsDOF members were categorized into 9 subfamilies and 1 unclassified subfamily. Across the evolutionary process, the B1, B2, C2.1, and D1 subfamilies could have experienced marked expansion. Segmental duplications likely played a crucial role in the expansion of the DOF family. To comprehensively examine the evolutionary relationships within the DOF family among diverse plant species, comparative genomic maps of pea were constructed alongside representative species, and gene comparisons were conducted. Subsequently, we investigated these PsDOF genes' expression characteristics in different growth and developmental processes as well as in stress response processes. Notably, we identified several candidate genes associated with tissue formation and responses to abiotic stress, including PsDOF3, PsDOF8, PsDOF10, and PsDOF35.

This article presents a comprehensive overview of the characteristic expression patterns of PsDOF genes across various tissues, developmental period, and stress responses. Our results provide a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding and investigation of the PsDOF family in pea.