Evolutionary relationship between DOF multigene transcription factors and the regulation of lipid biosynthesis in oilseeds

Abstract

Abstract The Dofs (DNA binding with One Finger; a plant transcription factor family) encode single zinc finger proteins with essential roles in several biological processes. Although the lipid biosynthesis routes have been known for a while, the information about the corresponding regulatory elements including transcription factors have only recently started to emerge. Previous studies have shown that Dof transcription factors could regulate oil production. To test this subject matter, 162 unique exonic regions of Dof genes from oilseed plants including peanut, canola, soybean, cotton, sesame, corn, and oil palm were checked via phylogenic analyses that resulted in seven clads. A purifying selection was evident for the Dof family of genes in oil-producing plants. To compare the selection pattern of Dof in oilseed and non-oily plants, selection pressures acting on the Dof genes in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and citrus (Citrus sinensis) were analyzed and showed to be different. Signatures of balancing selection were evident for the representatives of non-oily plants. Here and for the first time, the evolution of plant Dof members that are involved in oil production were put under scrutiny in order to elucidate their regulatory roles in oil biosynthesis.