Genome-Wide Analysis of TCP Family Genes and Their Constitutive Expression Pattern Analysis in the Melon ( Cucumis melo )

TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play essential roles in various developmental processes, including leaf morphogenesis and senescence, flowering, lateral branching, hormone crosstalk, and stress responses. However, the specific functions of TCP genes in melon remain largely unknown. This study identified and characterized 29 putative TCP genes in melon. These genes were classified into two classes: Class-I (13 genes) and Class-II (16 genes). The chromosomal location, gene structure, conserved motifs, structural homology, cis-regulating elements, transcript expression patterns, and potential protein-protein interactions were further analyzed. The results revealed that the putative CmTCP genes are distributed across nine of the twelve melon chromosomes and exhibit diverse expression patterns in different tissues and during floral organ development. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that some CmTCP genes may have similar functions to their homologs in other plant species, while others may have undergone functional diversification. This study provides a valuable resource for future investigations into the specific roles of individual CmTCP genes in melon development and paves the way for elucidating the mechanisms by which TCP proteins regulate leaf elongation, floral development, and lateral branching.