Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) Seed Coat Color Genes Phylogenetic Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the evolutionary relationships of the MYB-bHLH-WDR (MBW) , anthocyanin synthesis complex in adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), and its homologs in other legumes and model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. The MBW complex plays a critical role in anthocyanin biosynthesis, influencing seed coat color, a key domestication trait. Phylogenetic analyses of MYB, bHLH, and WD40 transcription factors revealed differing evolutionary trajectories: MYB showed greater variability, reflecting its role in adaptive evolution, while bHLH and WD40 were highly conserved, underscoring their structural and regulatory importance. Gene duplication events in MYB and bHLH transcription factors were observed, emphasizing their significance in plant evolution and functional diversification. The findings highlight the evolutionary conservation of the MBW complex and its role in the domestication and phenotypic adaptation of legumes. This study provides a foundation for further comparative studies and offers insights into the genetic mechanisms underpinning domestication traits in legumes.