# Genome-Wide Identification of GATA Family Genes and Functional Analysis of IbGATA17 Under Drought Stress in Sweetpotato

## TL;DR

This study identifies 25 GATA genes in sweetpotato and shows that IbGATA17 helps the plant tolerate drought by boosting proline and reducing stress.

## Contribution

The study introduces IbGATA17 as a novel drought-tolerance gene in sweetpotato through functional analysis.

## Key findings

- Sweetpotato GATA genes show complex evolution and may be involved in stress signaling pathways.
- IbGATA17 enhances drought tolerance by promoting proline biosynthesis and ROS scavenging.
- The study provides a potential candidate gene for developing drought-resistant sweetpotato varieties.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: GATA transcription factors play pivotal roles in regulating plant growth and development, physiological metabolism, and responses to environmental stress. However, research on GATA genes in sweetpotato remains limited. Methods: In this study, we identified 25 IbGATA genes in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [Lam.] L.) through a genome-wide analysis. These genes were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, synteny, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, promoter cis-elements, protein interaction networks, and expression profiles across various tissues and under drought stress. To elucidate the function of drought-resistant candidate genes, an in situ one-step transformation method was employed. Results: Sweetpotato GATA genes have a complex evolutionary history, including replication events, different selection pressures, and functional diversification. They may be involved in multiple plant stress signaling pathways. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that IbGATA17 enhances drought tolerance in sweetpotato by promoting proline biosynthesis and reinforcing ROS scavenging capacity. Our findings provide novel insights into the roles of IbGATAs, particularly IbGATA17, in mediating drought-stress responses in sweetpotato. Conclusions: This study provides foundational insights into the GATA gene family in sweetpotato and reveals the pivotal role of IbGATA17 in simulated drought-stress response, providing a potential candidate gene for the development of drought-resistant varieties.