Genome-Wide Identification of the BREVIS RADIX Gene Family in Foxtail Millet: Function, Evolution, and Expression

Background: Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), domesticated from green foxtail (Setaria viridis), is crucial for global food security. Given increasing environmental challenges, exploring its stress-resistance mechanisms via researching the BREVIS RADIX (BRX) gene family is urgent. Methods: The study combines advanced bioinformatics and experimental validation. It uses phylogenetic, motif, domain, synteny analyses, miRNA prediction, and quantitative expression profiling under stress. Results: Phylogenetic analysis reveals new sub-clades and trajectories. Motif and domain analyses find new conserved elements. Statistical models show unique selective forces. Synteny analysis identifies genomic architecture and new blocks. miRNA prediction reveals gene-miRNA interactions, and expression profiling shows new patterns. Conclusions: The research offers new insights into the BRX family’s role in foxtail millet’s growth and stress responses, laying a foundation for crop genetic improvement and enhancing stress resilience for global food security.