Genome-wide characterization and expression pattern analysis of <i>Xanthoceras sorbifolium FAD</i> at different growth stages

<i>Xanthoceras sorbifolium</i> is a crucial oil tree species in northern China. Additionally, fatty acid constituents in its fruits possess remarkable medicinal value. Hence, probing the regulatory role of <i>FAD</i> family members in fatty acid components accumulation in <i>X. sorbifolium</i> fruits is crucial. Drawing on <i>X. sorbifolium</i> genome data, 22 <i>XsFAD</i> members distributed across 10 chromosomes were identified. The physicochemical properties and subcellular localization predictions thereof were analyzed. Phylogenetic and conserved domain analyses demonstrated that same subfamily members are highly conserved in both gene structure and conserved domains. Cis-acting element analysis indicated that <i>XsFAD</i> members are highly susceptible to light. Furthermore, transcriptome data and qRT-PCR findings corroborated that <i>XsFAD</i> members play an active regulatory role in <i>X. sorbifolium</i> fruit ripening and fatty acid metabolism. The bioinformatic analysis and preliminary verification of regulatory functions of <i>XsFAD</i> members establish conditions for in-depth research on the functions of key <i>XsFAD</i> in the future. The study findings will be conducive to determine the accumulation of fatty acids substances in <i>X. sorbifolium</i> and screening of germplasm resources with superior traits.