# Genome-Wide Identification of the Dof Gene Family and Functional Analysis of PeSCAP1 in Regulating Guard Cell Maturation in Populus euphratica

## TL;DR

This study identifies 43 Dof genes in Populus euphratica and explores their role in plant stress responses and guard cell maturation.

## Contribution

The study provides the first genome-wide analysis of Dof genes in Populus euphratica and identifies PeSCAP1's role in guard cell maturation.

## Key findings

- 43 PeDof genes were identified, grouped into six phylogenetic clusters with conserved structures.
- PeDof genes are regulated by drought stress and environmental conditions during seed germination.
- PeSCAP1 regulates guard cell maturation, affecting stomatal function and leaf water retention.

## Abstract

DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors plays critical roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as modulating responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. While the biological characteristics of the Dof family have been explored across various species, their functions in Populus euphratica remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we identified 43 PeDof family genes through a genome-wide approach, revealing a total of 10 conserved motifs across all family members. Predictions of cis-acting elements indicated that Dof genes are involved in light signaling, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 43 Dof genes of P. euphratica into six distinct groups, with genes within the same group exhibiting relatively conserved structures. Expression pattern analyses demonstrated significant regulation of PeDof genes by drought stress, with their expression also being influenced by environmental conditions during seed germination. Furthermore, we identified the Dof gene PeSCAP1, which plays a conserved role in regulating guard cell maturation, underscoring the importance of stomatal morphology and function in leaf water retention. This study enhances our understanding of the role of Dofs in abiotic stress responses and provides valuable insights into their function in Populus euphratica.