Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of TCP Transcription Factors in Lentil (Lens culinaris): Predictive Insights into Growth and Developmental Roles

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a nutritionally and agriculturally important legume widely consumed in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, with rising popularity in Western diets. Despite its significance, the lentil genome remains underexplored and exhibits limited genetic diversity, making it highly susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses, further intensified by climate change. The TCP gene family, known for regulating plant development and stress responses, has not been characterized in lentil. This study aimed to perform a genome-wide identification and characterization of the TCP gene family in lentil using bioinformatics approaches to better understand its potential roles in growth and stress tolerance.Genomic data for L. culinaris were retrieved from KnowPulse. TCP genes were identified via sequence alignment and HMMER searches. Protein properties were analyzed using Pepstat, while conserved motifs and gene structures were examined using MEME and GSDS. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted with MEGA, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment were analyzed via STRING.A total of 22 TCP genes (LcaTCP1–LcaTCP22) were identified, with molecular weights ranging from 21.2 to 53.8 kDa and isoelectric points between 5.29 and 10.44. Phylogenetic analysis grouped them into three major clades, showing evolutionary conservation. Motif and GO analyses revealed their involvement in leaf senescence, shoot development, and photomorphogenesis. PPI network analysis supported their roles in growth regulation and stress response.This is the first comprehensive study of the TCP gene family in lentil, offering insights into their functional roles and potential use in crop improvement.