Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of NtbHLH gene family in tobacco () and the role of NtbHLH86 in drought adaptation.

The bHLH transcription factors play pivotal roles in plant growth and development, production of secondary metabolites and responses to various environmental stresses. Although the genes have been well studied in model plant species, a comprehensive investigation of the genes is required for tobacco with newly obtained high-quality genome. In the present study, a total of 309 genes were identified and can be divided into 23 subfamilies.