Genome-Wide Identification of the KCS Gene Family in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)

Very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are widely distributed across plant tissues. 3-Ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) is one of the most crucial enzymes in VLCFA synthesis and markedly influences fatty acid composition in plants. However, the relevant information on KCS proteins in foxtail millet remains poorly understood. In the current study, 30 KCS genes were found in foxtail millet using bioinformatics methods. Phylogenetic data indicated that these genes cluster into eight distinct groups, with members of each group sharing similar motif structures. Further analysis revealed that the cis-acting elements of SiKCS genes are mainly involved in growth and developmental processes. Synteny analysis indicates that segmental duplications are crucial for the expansion of the KCS genes. Expression profiles results indicated that 22 SiKCSs were highly expressed in the foxtail millet seed. This comprehensive analysis provided important insights for the functions of KCS genes and identified potential genetic resources for precision breeding enhancement in foxtail millet.