Genome-wide identification of the NAC gene family in taro and functional analysis of CeNAC48 in starch biosynthesis.

CeNAC48 negatively regulates starch biosynthesis in taro by directly binding to key gene promoters, with overexpression reducing starch content in taro and tobacco.

• Why it matters: Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of starch synthesis in taro is crucial for improving crop quality and yield, yet these mechanisms remain largely unknown.
• What they did: The study identified 83 NAC genes in taro, analyzed their evolution and response signals, and examined CeNAC48's role through gene expression, localization, and binding assays, including overexpression and silencing experiments.
• The result: CeNAC48's repression of CeAGPS1 and activation of CeBAM suggest it as a conserved regulator of starch biosynthesis, offering a molecular target for genetic enhancement of taro.