Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiles of Dof Transcription Factors in Pineapple ( Ananas comosus L )

DNA binding with one finger ( Dof ) transcription factors (TF) family is a class of plant specific transcription factors and has crucial roles in development of different tissues and response to stresses. Using GWAS we identified twenty six Dof genes located on 16 pineapple chromosomes. Dof family genes were distributed into five groups and contain highly conserved motif. High expression of AcoDof1 , AcoDof12 , AcoDof26 (root), AcoDof9 , AcoDof22 , AcoDof19 (fruit), AcoDof23 , AcoDof25 (ovule), AcoDof11 , AcoDof17 and AcoDof20 (petal) were found in RNA-Seq analysis. RNA-Seq data also suggest that Dof genes could have important role in female gametophyte development of pineapple. Expression analysis using qRT-PCR of pineapple Dof genes family under different abiotic stress (cold, heat, salt, drought) showed a dynamic response of Dof genes. AcoDof1 was up-regulated at 48 h treatment in all four abiotic stresses, while AcoDof20 was up-regulated at 24 h of treatment. Moreover, AcoDof8, AcoDof12, AcoDof2 were up-regulated by salinity stress. Dof genes expression during abiotic stress reveals their vital role for pineapple growth and development which could be utilized agronomically. Present study provides a framework for future studies related to the functions of Dof genes in pineapple.