Transcription Factor Protein (TFP)-Trait Relationships During Sugarcane Internode Development

Understanding the transcriptional regulation of biomass accumulation and sucrose storage is critical for enhancing sugarcane productivity. In this study, we quantified transcription factor protein (TFP) abundance across sugarcane internodes at different developmental stages and growth rates, correlating these profiles with key biochemical traits including lignin, glucan, hemicellulose, and sucrose content. Among 7333 proteins identified, 205 were classified as transcription factors spanning 22 families. Trait-centric correlation networks revealed 107 TFP-trait associations via Pearson correlation; refinement using the Partial Correlation with Information Theory (PCIT) algorithm identified 46 high-confidence regulatory links. Key transcription factors, such as ScMYB113, ScMADS15, and ScbZIP85, displayed trait-specific roles in coordinating sucrose storage and cell wall biosynthesis. Network topology uncovered distinct regulatory modules associated with biomass production, structural polysaccharide deposition, and intermediary metabolism. Notably, sucrose and lignin accumulation primarily occurred after internode elongation ceased, implicating shifts in transcriptional regulation during maturation. This study delivers the first protein-level regulatory map linking TF abundance to metabolic traits in sugarcane and provides a robust framework for identifying candidate regulators to optimize biomass quality and yield for bioenergy applications.