Identification and molecular characterization of Dof transcription factor gene family preferentially expressed in developing spikes of Eleusine coracana L.

We report 48 putative DNA binding with one finger (Dof) TF genes from genome and transcriptome data of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.; FM), involved in plant developmental process. To characterize seed-specific Dof genes, transcript profiles of 32 EcDof identified from transcriptome data of developing spikes of FM genotypes were further analyzed in different tissues (root, stem, and leaf) and developmental stages of spikes (S1, S2, S3, and S4) in two FM genotypes [GE1437 (low protein genotype; LPG) and GE3885 (high protein genotype; HPG)]. More than 50% of identified EcDof genes showed expression during seed development processes. Among these, seven genes (EcDof 3, EcDof 5, EcDof 15, EcDof 18, EcDof 22, EcDof 23, and EcDof 31) expressed maximally at specific stages of seed development. Fourteen EcDof genes showed that differential transcript accumulation in vegetative tissue as well as in developing spikes suggests involvement during seed filling and also throughout the plant development. In addition, three EcDof genes (EcDof 9, EcDof 25, and EcDof 28) expressed preferentially at root and stem tissue. The 3D structural prediction of EcDof proteins showed variability in structural attributes. Molecular docking results showed strong binding affinity for seed-specific EcDof-EcO2 with α-prolamine promoters. The identified and characterized EcDof genes will help to dissect the roles of FM seed-specific Dof genes.