*Article* **Identification, Characterization, and Expression Patterns of TCP Genes and microRNA319 in Cotton**

**Zujun Yin <sup>1</sup> , Yan Li <sup>1</sup> , Weidong Zhu <sup>1</sup> , Xiaoqiong Fu <sup>1</sup> , Xiulan Han <sup>2</sup> , Junjuan Wang <sup>1</sup> , Huan Lin <sup>1</sup> and Wuwei Ye 1,\***


Received: 17 October 2018; Accepted: 6 November 2018; Published: 20 November 2018

**Abstract:** The TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS (TCP) gene family is a group of plant-specific transcription factors that have versatile functions in developmental processes and stress responses. In this study, a total of 73 *TCP* genes in upland cotton were identified and characterizated. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into three subgroups: 50 belonged to PCF, 16 to CIN, and 7 to CYC/TB1. *GhTCP* genes are randomly distributed in 22 of the 26 chromosomes in cotton. Expression patterns of *GhTCPs* were analyzed in 10 tissues, including different developmental stages of ovule and fiber, as well as under heat, salt, and drought stresses. Transcriptome analysis showed that 44 *GhTCP* genes exhibited varied transcript accumulation patterns in the tested tissues and 41 *GhTCP* genes were differentially expressed in response to heat, salt, and drought stresses. Furthermore, three *GhTCP* genes of the CIN clade were found to contain miR319-binding sites. An anti-correlation expression of *GhTCP21* and *GhTCP54* was analyzed with miR319 under salt and drought stress. Our results lay the foundation for understanding the complex mechanisms of GhTCP-mediated developmental processes and abiotic stress-signaling transduction pathways in cotton.

**Keywords:** upland cotton; TCP genes; abiotic stress; miR319; target genes
