Genome-wide identification and analysis of the TBL genes reveals NtTBL31 increases drought resistance of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

O-acetylation of cell wall polysaccharides is determined by plant species and tissue type and plays an instrumental role in the growth of plant cells and their interaction with the environment. The trichome birefringence-like (TBL) gene family encodes the acetyltransferases that facilitate O-acetylation. However, no report on the TBL gene family in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) can be found. In this study, 130 TBL genes were identified and characterized; they are distributed across all 24 tobacco chromosomes. Analysis of gene structure and conserved domains and motifs identified five groups of N. tabacum TBL genes (NtTBL). The NtTBL genes underwent segmental duplication and purifying selection. Functional analysis of cis-elements, interaction networks, and expression patterns of NtTBL genes indicated their significant roles in growth and development and stress responses. Furthermore, we validated the pivotal role of NtTBL31 in tobacco growth and drought resistance. This study lays a foundation for further functional characterization of the TBL gene family in tobacco.