Abstract
The regulatory mechanisms underlying embryogenic callus (EC) formation in polyploid bananas remain unexplored, posing challenges for genetic transformation and biotechnological applications. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on cultured explants, non-embryogenic callus, EC, and browning callus in the ABB cultivar 'MJ' (Musa spp. cv. Bengal). Our analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed significant enrichment in plant hormones, MAPK, and zeatin biosynthesis pathways. Notably, most genes in the MJ variety exhibited balanced expression of the A and B alleles, but A-specific allele expression was dominant in the key signaling pathways, whereas B-specific allele expression was very rare during EC induction. In the auxin signaling pathway, six A-specific MJARF genes were markedly downregulated, underscoring their critical roles in the negative regulation of callus formation. Additionally, six A-specific MJEIN3 alleles were found to play negative regulatory roles in ethylene signaling during EC development. We also identified phenylpropanoids responsible for enzymatic browning. Furthermore, the expression patterns of transcription factors in bananas exhibited specific expression modes, highlighting the unique mechanisms of callus formation. This study enhanced our understanding of the regulatory roles of these alleles in EC induction and offers new insights into the utilization of alleles to improve the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis in bananas.