Genome-wide identification and expression profile ofGhGRFgene family inGossypium hirsutum L.

BackgroundCotton is the primary source of renewable natural fiber in the textile industry and an important biodiesel crop. Growth regulating factors (GRFs) are involved in regulating plant growth and development.MethodsUsing genome-wide analysis, we identified 35GRFgenes inGossypium hirsutum.ResultsChromosomal location information revealed an uneven distribution of GhGRF genes, with maximum genes on chromosomes A02, A05, and A12 from the At sub-genome and their corresponding D05 and D12 from the Dt sub-genome. In the phylogenetic tree, 35GRFgenes were divided into five groups, including G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5. The majority ofGhGRFgenes have two to three introns and three to four exons, and their deduced proteins contained conserved QLQ and WRC domains in the N-terminal end ofGRFsinArabidopsisand rice. Sequence logos revealed thatGRFgenes were highly conserved during the long-term evolutionary process. The CDS of theGhGRFgene can complement MiRNA396a. Moreover, mostGhGRFgenes transcripts developed high levels of ovules and fibers. Analyses of promoter cis-elements and expression patterns indicated that GhGRF genes play an essential role in regulating plant growth and development by coordinating the internal and external environment and multiple hormone signaling pathways. Our analysis indicated thatGhGRFsare ideal target genes with significant potential for improving the molecular structure of cotton.