Genomic and Functional Analysis of the ALOG Gene Family in Dioscorea alata

The ALOG (<i>Arabidopsis LIGHT-DEPENDENT SHORT HYPOCOTYLS 1</i> (<i>LSH1</i>) and Oryza <i>G1</i>) family play crucial regulatory roles in plant growth and development, spanning both vegetative and reproductive growth. This study presents a comprehensive genomic and functional analysis of the ALOG family in greater yam (<i>Dioscorea alata</i>). Ten non-redundant <i>DaALOG</i> genes were identified and classified into two classes (I and II) based on phylogenetic analysis. These classes share a common origin, and family expansion was primarily driven by segmental duplication events. Comparative genomics across 15 plant species revealed widespread, lineage-specific divergence in ALOG gene family size and composition. Expression profiling highlighted several <i>DaALOG</i> genes, particularly <i>DaALOG1</i>, <i>DaALOG3</i>, and <i>DaALOG6A</i>, with significant upregulation in tuber and bulbil tissues, suggesting a potential role in storage organ development. Co-expression network analysis, coupled with yeast one-hybrid assays, indicated that <i>DaALOG3</i> likely regulates key genes involved in starch biosynthesis. Subcellular localization confirmed the nuclear predominance of DaALOG proteins. Furthermore, functional validation in Arabidopsis demonstrated that overexpression of <i>DaALOG1</i> leads to pronounced developmental alterations, including irregular leaf morphology and floral organ abnormalities (such as extra stamens and petals). Collectively, our findings establish the <i>DaALOG</i> gene family as an important regulator in greater yam, linking specific members to both vegetative architecture and storage organ development.