Characterization of the N6-Methyladenosine Gene Family in Peanuts and Its Role in Abiotic Stress

Members of the m6A gene family are involved in key biological processes such as plant growth, development, stress responses, and light signal transduction. However, the function of m6A genes in peanuts has been understudied. Our analysis identified 61 m6A family members in the peanut genome, including 21 writer genes, 22 eraser genes, and 18 reader genes, distributed across 20 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ALKBH proteins are categorized into six subfamilies, while YTH family proteins form nine subfamilies. Promoter cis-element analysis indicated that m6A gene promoters contain light-responsive, hormone-responsive, growth-related, low-temperature defense, and other stress-related elements. Expression studies of AhALKBH8Ba and AhALKBH8Bb in various peanut tissues suggest that these genes play vital roles in peanut fruit needle development. Furthermore, AhETC1a and AhETC1b were significantly upregulated following the loss of mechanical pressure in peanut pods. This study identifies several key genes involved in light and mechanical stress response during peanut pod development.