Genome-Wide Identification of the Dof Gene Family and Functional Analysis of PeSCAP1 in Regulating Guard Cell Maturation in Populus euphratica

DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors plays critical roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as modulating responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. While the biological characteristics of the Dof family have been explored across various species, their functions in <i>Populus euphratica</i> remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we identified 43 <i>PeDof</i> family genes through a genome-wide approach, revealing a total of 10 conserved motifs across all family members. Predictions of cis-acting elements indicated that <i>Dof</i> genes are involved in light signaling, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 43 <i>Dof</i> genes of <i>P. euphratica</i> into six distinct groups, with genes within the same group exhibiting relatively conserved structures. Expression pattern analyses demonstrated significant regulation of <i>PeDof</i> genes by drought stress, with their expression also being influenced by environmental conditions during seed germination. Furthermore, we identified the <i>Dof</i> gene <i>PeSCAP1</i>, which plays a conserved role in regulating guard cell maturation, underscoring the importance of stomatal morphology and function in leaf water retention. This study enhances our understanding of the role of <i>Dofs</i> in abiotic stress responses and provides valuable insights into their function in <i>Populus euphratica</i>.