**4. Conclusions**

Twenty-nine *NnDofs* were identified in lotus species divided into six subfamilies, the physicochemical properties of which vary and all of which contain conserved zinc finger structures. Segmental duplications may be the primary mode of amplification for the NnDofs gene family. In addition, some *NnDofs* have distinct expression specificities in different tissues and developmental stages. Most of the *NnDofs* were significantly regulated by salt stress treatments. Therefore, *NnDofs* may be engaged in multiple cross-regulatory networks related to lotus development and salt stress responses, and their interactions would help to explain the dynamics of co-regulatory functions of signaling differently in various biological processes. This study provides a foundation for further investigation into the functional properties of the *Dof* gene family in lotus, particularly its role in salt stress resistance.
