The AGPase Family Proteins in Banana: Genome-Wide Identification, Phylogeny, and Expression Analyses Reveal Their Involvement in the Development, Ripening, and Abiotic/Biotic Stress Responses.

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is the first rate-limiting enzyme in starch biosynthesis and plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes. Despite its importance, AGPase is poorly studied in starchy fruit crop banana ( L.). In this study, eight genes have been identified genome-wide in , which could be clustered into the large (APL) and small (APS) subunits. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis revealed temporal and spatial expression variations of and and their differential responses to abiotic/biotic stresses in two banana genotypes, Fen Jiao (FJ) and BaXi Jiao (BX). showed generally high expression at various developmental and ripening stages and in response to abiotic/biotic stresses in both genotypes. and were specifically induced by abiotic stresses including cold, salt, and drought, as well as by fungal infection in FJ, but not in BX. The presence of hormone-related and stress-relevant -acting elements in the promoters of genes suggests that may play an important role in multiple biological processes. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the complex transcriptional regulation of , underlying their key roles in promoting starch biosynthesis and enhancing stress tolerance in banana.