Root-Growth-Related MaTCP Transcription Factors Responsive to Drought Stress in Mulberry

Root growth regulation plays a crucial role in the acclimatization of plants to their surroundings, but molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely uncertain. Teosinte branched1/cycloidea/proliferating cell factor (TCP) transcription factors are elements linking together plant and development, phytohormone signaling, stress response. In study, 15 TCP were identified mulberry (Morus alba) genome. Gene structure, conserved motif, phylogenetic analyses revealed conservation divergence these MaTCPs, thus providing insights into functions. A promoter analysis uncovered distinct numbers compositions cis-elements MaTCP gene regions that may be connected reproductive responses. An expression pattern genes roots indicated transcriptional levels MaTCP2, MaTCP4-1, MaTCP8, MaTCP9-1, MaTCP20-2 correlated with root development. As by changes expressions after drought treatment, five involved increase tolerance drought. Our findings lay foundation for future functional studies genes.