Genome-Wide Analysis of BPC Gene Family in Soybean and the Role of GmBPC8 in Floral Organ Development in Arabidopsis

The BARLEY B RECOMBINANT/BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BBR/BPC) transcription factors are widely involved in plant development and abiotic stress responses. In this study, ten GmBPC genes were identified in the soybean genome, and their characteristics and expression patterns were comprehensively analyzed. Based on phylogenetic relationships, the GmBPCs were classified into two groups, and members within the same group exhibited high similarity in motif compositions and gene structures. Expression profiling indicated that GmBPCs were expressed in all tissues, with most showing high transcript levels in seeds. The GmBPCs exhibited different expression profiles in soybean under drought and heat stresses. Ectopic expression of GmBPC8 in Arabidopsis led to abnormal floral development and reduced the seed setting rate. Additionally, GmBPC8 could form both homodimers and heterodimers with other GmBPC proteins. Collectively, these findings provide a foundation for elucidating the functional roles of BPC transcription factors.