Genome-wide analysis of banana MADS-box family closely related to fruit development and ripening

Proteins encoded by MADS-box genes are important transcription factors involved in the regulation of flowering plant growth and development. Currently, no systematic information exists regarding the MADS-box family in the important tropical fruit banana. Ninety-six MADS-box genes were identified from the banana (Pahang) A genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Musa acuminata MCM1-AGAMOUS- DEFICIENS-SRF (MaMADS) could be divided into MIKC(c), MIKC*, Mα/β and Mγ groups. MIKC(c) could be further divided into 11 subfamilies, which was further supported by conserved motif and gene structure analyses. Transcriptome analysis on the Feng Jiao (FJ) and BaXi Jiao (BX) banana cultivars revealed that MaMADS genes are differentially expressed in various organs, at different fruit development and ripening stages, indicating the involvement of these genes in fruit development and ripening processes. Interactive network analysis indicated that MaMADS24 and 49 not only interacted with MaMADS proteins themselves, but also interacted with hormone-response proteins, ethylene signal transduction and biosynthesis-related proteins, starch biosynthesis proteins and metabolism-related proteins. This systematic analysis identified candidate MaMADS genes related to fruit development and ripening for further functional characterization in plants, and also provided new insights into the transcriptional regulation of MaMADS genes, facilitating the future genetic manipulation of MADS-mediated fruit development and ripening.