Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of the transcription factors in garlic ( L.).

INTRODUCTION

The genes () are essential in numerous biological processes, including development and stress responses. Despite extensive research on in many plants, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of in garlic has yet to be undertaken.

METHODS

In this study, we identified and classified 64 genes () into 10 subfamilies. A systematic analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of these , including chromosome location, gene structure, conserved motifs, and gene duplication, was conducted. Furthermore, we also examined the nucleotide diversity, cis-acting elements, and expression profiles of in various tissues and under different abiotic stresses and hormone treatments.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Our findings revealed that gene replication plays a crucial role in the expansion of AsbZIPs, with a minor genetic bottleneck observed during domestication. Moreover, the identification of cis-acting elements suggested potential associations of with garlic development, hormone, and stress responses. Several exhibited tissue-preferential and stress/hormone-responsive expression patterns. Additionally, and were notably differentially expressed under various stresses and hormone treatments. Subsequent yeast two-hybridization and yeast induction experiments validated their interactions with , a homologue of ABI5, reinforcing their importance in hormone and abiotic stress responses. This study unveiled the characteristics of the superfamily and lays a solid foundation for further functional analysis of in garlic.