Genome-wide identification, characterization, and functional analysis of the myb transcription factor family in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Chickpea, a globally important legume crop, has been extensively studied for its MYB transcription factors (TFs), which play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of 113 CaMYB-TFs, examining chemical properties, conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, chromosomal distribution, and synteny with Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula. The CaMYB-TFs displayed considerable diversity in sequence characteristics and were unevenly distributed across the chickpea genome, with several genes remaining unplaced. The CaMYB-TFs displayed considerable diversity in sequence characteristics and were unevenly distributed across the chickpea genome, with several genes remaining unplaced. Conserved domain analysis revealed six major MYB-related domains, and phylogenetic clustering grouped the genes into nine distinct clades. Synteny and protein-protein interaction analyses indicated evolutionary conservation and functional relevance under abiotic stress. This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of the MYB gene family in chickpea and provides a solid foundation for future functional and evolutionary research.