Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the TGA Gene Family in Banana (Musa nana Lour.) Under Various Nitrogen Conditions

The <i>TGA</i> (TGACG motif-binding factor) transcription factors are integral to root growth and development, and are pivotal in mediating plant responses to abiotic stresses. Nonetheless, their role in the nutrient absorption processes of banana plants has not been extensively investigated. This research conducted a comprehensive analysis of the <i>MaTGA</i> gene family, emphasizing their physicochemical characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, gene duplication events, promoter cis-regulatory elements and protein interaction networks. Furthermore, this study investigated the expression patterns of <i>MaTGA</i> family members under varying nitrogen conditions. A total of 18 <i>MaTGA</i> members were identified within the banana genome, each encoding proteins characterized by the presence of bZIP and DOG domains. These genes exhibited an uneven distribution across eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis further classified the <i>MaTGA</i> family into four distinct subgroups (I-IV), consisting of three, seven, three, and five members, respectively. An analysis of promoter cis-elements indicated that over 50% of the <i>MaTGA</i> gene family members contain hormone-responsive elements associated with abscisic acid (ABRE), ethylene (ERE), and salicylic acid (SARE), in addition to stress-responsive elements related to drought (MBS) and low temperature (LTR). Regarding gene expression, <i>MaTGA7</i>, <i>MaTGA8</i>, and <i>MaTGA15</i> exhibited significantly elevated expression levels in the leaves and roots relative to other tissues. Under varying nitrogen conditions, 13 members, including <i>MaTGA7</i> and <i>MaTGA8</i>, demonstrated the highest expression levels under reduced nitrogen (70%) treatment, followed by low nitrogen (20%) conditions, and the lowest expression levels were observed under nitrogen-deficient conditions. These findings imply that <i>MaTGA</i> genes may play crucial roles in enhancing nitrogen use efficiency. Protein interaction predictions suggest that MaTGA7, MaTGA8, and MaTGA15 may interact with nitrogen-related proteins, including Nitrate Transporter 2 (NRT2.1 and NRT2.2), NIN-Like Protein 7 (NLP7), and Nitrate Transporter 1.1 (NPF6.3). In summary, <i>MaTGA7</i>, <i>MaTGA8</i>, and <i>MaTGA15</i> are likely involved in the processes of nitrogen absorption and utilization in bananas. The present findings establish a basis for subsequent investigations into the functional roles of <i>MaTGA</i> genes in augmenting nutrient use efficiency and mediating responses to abiotic stresses in banana plants.