Genome‐wide identification and expression analysis of MYB gene family in Cajanus cajan and CcMYB107 improves plant drought tolerance

Abstract MYB transcription factor (TF) is one of the largest superfamilies that play a vital role in multiple plant biological processes. However, the MYB family has not been comprehensively identified and functionally verified in Cajanus cajan , which is the sixth most important legume crop. Here, 170 CcR2R3‐MYBs were identified and divided into 43 functional subgroups. Segmental and tandem duplications and alternative splicing events were found and promoted the expansion of the CcR2R3‐MYB gene family. Functional prediction results showed that CcR2R3‐MYBs were mainly involved in secondary metabolism, cell fate and identity, developmental processes, and responses to abiotic stress. Cis ‐acting element analysis of promoters revealed that stress response elements were widespread in the above four functional branches, further suggesting CcR2R3‐MYBs were extensively involved in abiotic stress response. The transcriptome data and qRT‐PCR results indicated that most of the CcR2R3‐MYB genes responded to various stresses, of which the expression of CcMYB107 was significantly induced by drought stress. Overexpression of CcMYB107 enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and increased proline and lignin accumulation, thus improving the drought resistance of C. cajan . Furthermore, Overexpression of CcMYB107 up‐regulated the expression of stress‐related genes and lignin biosynthesis genes after drought stress. Our findings established a strong foundation for the investigation of biological function of CcR2R3‐MYB TFs in C. cajan .