Genome-wide analysis of the bZIP gene family in Cinnamomum camphora ('Gantong 1') reveals the putative function in anthocyanin biosynthesis

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) regulate plant development, growth, and secondary metabolism. The formation of red bark of new ornamental cultivar 'Gantong 1' is regulated mainly by anthocyanin anabolism. However, it is unclear whether and which bZIP TFs are involved in this process. We identified 89 genes encoding CcbZIP TFs in Cinnamomum camphora genome that could be divided into 14 subfamilies with similar gene structures and conserved motifs. CcbZIP38 and CcbZIP57 were highly conserved compared to HY5 in Arabidopsis thaliana and they were highly expressed in the bark and leaves of 'Gantong 1' at different stages. The target gene enrichment analysis showed that indicating indirect involvement of CcbZIP38 and CcbZIP57 in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis. Our study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin synthesis regulation by CcbZIP TFs and provides a theoretical basis for genetic improvement of ornamental traits in C. camphora. •We studied expression of basic leucine zipper transcription factors in camphor tree.•In total, 89 genes encoding bZIP TFs in Cinnamomum camphora were identified.•Collinearity analysis showed that bZIP TF family expanded by segmental duplication.•Indirect role of several bZIP TFs in anthocyanin biosynthesis was shown.