Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Characterization of the PheE2F/DP Gene Family in Moso Bamboo

Abstract Background E2F/DP proteins have been shown to regulate genes implicated in cell cycle control and DNA repair. However, to date, research into the E2F/DP family and its functional role in Moso bamboo has been limited. Results Here, we identified 24 E2F/DP genes in the Moso bamboo genome, including nine E2F, six DP, and eight DEL genes. Simulation of the divergence time of paralogous gene pairs revealed an important role of whole-genome duplication in the expansion of the E2F/DP family. The regulatory element and coexpression network analysis indicated that E2F/DP regulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes. Yeast two hybrid assay and expression analysis based on transcriptome data and in situ hybridization indicated that PheE2F-PheDP complex play important roles in winter moso bamboo shoot growth. Expressional analysis based on qRT-PCR performed diverse expression patterns of PheE2F/DPs in response to both various abiotic stimuli and diurnal cycles. Conclusion These findings provide insights into the E2F/DP family members in Moso bamboo and experimental evidence for further functional verification of the E2F/DP family.