Genome-wide identification and analysis of TCP transcription factor genes in Rosa chinensis in response to abiotic stress and fungal diseases

Abstract

The TCP family genes encode plant-specific proteins with a variety of functions in multiple processes related to plant growth and environmental stress responses. However, there is little information about the response of rose TCPs to abiotic stresses and fungal diseases. Here, 18 non-redundant RcTCP genes distributed on six chromosomes were identified in Rosa chinensis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RcTCP genes are divided into two main groups – Class I and Class II (CIN subclass and CYC/TB1 subclass). An analysis of the RcTCP promoters (2,000 bp) revealed that some cis-acting elements were associated with the changes to RcTCP expression due to environmental stress. The RcTCP expression patterns induced by abiotic stresses (drought, heat, and salinity) and fungal diseases (powdery mildew, botrytis, and black spot) were analyzed by RNA-seq or qRT-PCR. The transcription levels of five RcTCP genes (RcTCP2, 4, 7, 14, and 15) were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated under various treatment conditions, suggesting these genes may be involved in rose responses to diverse stresses. This study will be useful for future investigations of the biological functions of TCP transcription factors, especially during plant responses to environmental stimuli.

Keywords

• rosa chinensis
• tcp
• genome-wide
• expression patterns
• stress