Summary: | BTB (broad-complex, tram track and bric-a-brac) proteins have broad functions in different growth processes and biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the biological role of these proteins has not yet been explored in grapevine, which draws our attention towards the <i>BTB</i> gene family. Herein, we identified 69 <i>BTB</i> genes (<i>VvBTB</i>) in the <i>Vitis vinifera</i> genome and performed comprehensive in silico analysis. Phylogenetic analysis classified VvBTB proteins into five groups, and further domain analysis revealed the presence of other additional functional domains. The majority of BTB proteins were localized in the nucleus. We also performed differential expression analysis by harnessing RNA- seq data of 10 developmental stages and different biotic and abiotic stresses. Our findings revealed the plausible roles of the <i>BTB</i> gene family in developmental stages; Fifty <i>VvBTB</i> were differentially expressed at different developmental stages. In addition, 47 and 16 <i>VvBTB</i> were responsive towards abiotic and biotic stresses, respectively. Interestingly, 13 <i>VvBTB</i> genes exhibited differential expression in at least one of the developmental stages and biotic and abiotic stresses. Further, miRNA target prediction of 13 <i>VvBTB</i> genes revealed that vvi-miR482 targets VvBTB56, and multiple miRNAs, such as vvi-miR172, vvi-miR169 and vvi-miR399, target <i>VvBTB24,</i> which provides an insight into the essential role of the BTB family in the grapevine. Our study provides the first comprehensive analysis and essential information that can potentially be used for further functional investigation of <i>BTB</i> genes in this economically important fruit crop.
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