Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the () Gene Family in Sweet Potato and Its Two Diploid Relatives.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (; EC 4.1.2.13) is a key enzyme in glycolysis and the Calvin cycle, which plays crucial roles in carbon allocation and plant growth. The family genes () have been identified in several plants. However, their presence and roles in sweet potato remain unexplored. In this study, a total of 20 were identified in sweet potato and its wild wild diploidrelatives, including seven in sweet potato (, 2 = 6 = 90), seven in (2 = 2 = 30), and six in (2 = 2 = 30). Their protein physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, promoter -elements, and expression patterns were systematically analyzed. The conserved genes and protein structures suggest a high degree of functional conservation among genes. may participate in storage root development and starch biosynthesis, especially and , which warrant further investigation as candidate genes. Additionally, the could respond to drought and salt stress. They are also implicated in hormone crosstalk, particularly with ABA and GA. This work provides valuable insights into the structure and function of and identifies candidate genes for improving yield, starch content, and abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potatoes.