Genome-wide identification and characterization of light-responsive FAR1 gene family in finger millet (Eleusine coracana) under abiotic stress

The Far-Red Impaired Response 1 (FAR1) plant transcription factor plays an essential role in plant development, the transduction of light signals, and stress regulation. The FAR1 gene family has been studied in many plant species. However, no research has been conducted on the FAR1 gene family in finger millet. This study identified 42 EcFAR1 genes within the finger millet. Based on evolutionary analysis, the EcFAR1 genes were divided into five subgroups. Through MEME analysis, it was found that EcFAR1 genes within the same sub-group had conserved motifs. Light and stress-responsive elements were identified in the promotor regions of EcFAR1 genes, indicating their role in abiotic stress. Cellular localization analysis revealed the organelle-specific expression of EcFAR1 genes. Multiple miRNA target sites were identified in EcFAR1, which suggested the significance of FAR1 genes in the finger millet gene regulation. EcFAR1-15, EcFAR1-25, and EcFAR1-31 were significantly upregulated during expression analysis under salt stress. This study provides valuable insights into the functions of FAR1 genes in finger millet development and abiotic stress, which can be used as possible genetic targets to grow stress-resistant cultivars of finger millet.