Abstract

The TCP ( Teosinte branched 1/ Cycloidea/Proliferating ) gene family comprises plant-specific transcription factors essential for regulating growth, development, and environmental adaptation. Utilizing the high-quality ‘Rui Youpan 1’ (‘RYP1’) reference genome, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the TCP family in peach ( Prunus persica ). We identified 20 PpTCP genes and systematically evaluated their physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, phylogeny, gene architecture, and promoter cis -regulatory elements. Notably, the enrichment of abscisic acid-responsive elements (ABREs) in their promoters suggests a significant role in abiotic stress signaling. Integrated RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses identified six putative candidates ( PpTCP3 , 5 , 6 , 11 , 14 , and 15 ) with pronounced differential expression under drought conditions. Subcellular localization confirmed that all tested PpTCPs function within the nucleus. Moreover, the results of STRING-based computer simulations predicting protein–protein interactions indicate that PpTCP3 and PpTCP5 interact with key hormone pathways and stress-related transcription factors (TFs), including auxin signaling and strigolactone signaling.