Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auxin response factors (ARFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that are crucial for flower development, lateral root formation, leaf senescence, and fruit ripening. Information on the ARF family genes in tetraploid potato remains unidentified. RESULTS: In this study, we identified 92 StARF genes including alleles in the tetraploid potato genome (C88.v1), classified into four subfamilies, and unevenly distributed across 48 chromosomes. The promoter regions contained numerous light, plant hormones, and stress response elements, including those for low-temperature, drought, and anaerobic-induction cis-elements. Collinearity analysis suggested that StARF family members amplification results from whole genome and segmental duplications. Tissue-specific expression patterns manifested in most StARF family genes. RNA-seq data and WGCNA analysis of two tetraploid potato varieties with different-colored tuber flesh identified 11 differentially expressed StARF genes correlated with key anthocyanin synthesis genes. Protein-protein interaction predictions highlighted StARF23-1 as a potential key regulator of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, warranting further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study comprehensively analyzes the StARF gene family in tetraploid potato and identifies candidate genes linked to anthocyanin synthesis, providing a foundation for future research on the regulatory role of StARF transcription factors in colored potato anthocyanin biosynthesis.