Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of NF-YA Gene Family in the Filling Stage of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

The gene family is a highly conserved transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to various stresses. Despite extensive studies in multiple plants, there has been a dearth of focused and systematic analysis on NF-YA genes in wheat grains. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the gene family in wheat, using the latest genomic data from the Chinese Spring. A total of 19 genes were identified. An analysis of conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, and gene structure indicated a significant degree of conservation among TaNF-YAs. A gene collinearity analysis demonstrated that fragment duplication was the predominant mechanism driving the amplification of . Furthermore, -acting elements within the promoters of were found to be implicated in grain development. Subsequently, SNP analysis revealed the genetic variation in the gene family in different wheat. Moreover, published RNA-seq data were used and RNA-seqs of Pinyu8155, Yaomai30, Yaomai36, and Pinyu8175 were performed to identify influencing grain development. Finally, it was found that had no self-activating activity in wheat. This study provides key candidate genes for the exploration of grain development in the wheat filling stage and also lays a foundation for further research on the regulation of starch and protein synthesis and accumulation.