Genome-Wide Identification of the Dendrocalamus latiflorus IDD Gene Family and Its Functional Role in Bamboo Shoot Development

<b>Background</b>: Transcription factors (TFs) critically regulate gene expression, orchestrating plant growth, development, and stress responses. The conserved IDD (<i>INDETERMINATE DOMAIN</i>) TF family modulates key developmental processes, including root, stem, and seed morphogenesis. <i>Dendrocalamus latiflorus</i> Munro, an economically vital sympodial bamboo in southern China, suffers significant yield losses due to prevalent bamboo shoot abortion, impacting both edible shoot production and timber output. Despite the documented roles of IDD TFs in shoot apical meristem expression and lateral organ regulation, their genome-wide characterization in <i>D. latiflorus</i> remains unstudied. <b>Methods</b>: Using IDD members from <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>, <i>Oryza sativa</i>, and <i>Phyllostachys edulis</i> as references, we identified 45 <i>DlIDD</i> genes in <i>D. latiflorus</i>. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses included gene characterization, protein physicochemical assessment, phylogenetic reconstruction, and examination of gene structures/conserved domains. Differential expression of <i>DlIDD</i> genes was profiled between dormant and sprouting bamboo shoots to infer putative functions. <b>Results</b>: The 45 <i>DlIDD</i> genes were phylogenetically classified into three subfamilies and unevenly distributed across 34 chromosomes. Whole-genome duplication (WGD) events drove the expansion of this gene family. Promoter analyses revealed enriched cis-regulatory elements associated with hormone response and developmental regulation. Functional analyses suggested potential roles for <i>DlIDD</i> genes in bamboo shoot development. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study provides a foundation for future research to elucidate the functions of IDD TFs and their regulatory mechanisms in bamboo shoot morphogenesis and lateral bud development within woody monocots.