Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Genes During Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Mango ( L.).

B-box (BBX) transcription factors are critical regulators of light-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis, influencing peel coloration in plants. To explore their role in red mango cultivars, we identified 32 genes (-) in the mango ( L.) genome using a genome-wide analysis. Phylogenetic and structural analyses classified these genes into five subfamilies based on conserved domains. A collinearity analysis revealed segmental duplication as the primary mechanism of gene family expansion, with purifying selection shaping their evolution. A promoter analysis identified numerous light- and hormone-responsive -elements, indicating regulatory roles in the light and hormonal signaling pathways. Expression profiling in the 'Sensation' cultivar revealed organ-specific patterns, with several genes showing higher expression in the peel than in the flesh. Many of these genes also consistently exhibited elevated expression in the peel of red-skinned cultivars ('Sensation' and 'Guifei') compared to yellow and green cultivars, suggesting their role in red peel pigmentation. Furthermore, postharvest light treatment of 'Hongmang No. 6' fruit significantly upregulated multiple genes, suggesting their involvement in light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in red mango peel. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms governing light-regulated peel coloration in mango and establish a foundation for functional studies of genes in fruit pigmentation.