*Article* **Systematic Analysis of NRAMP Family Genes in** *Areca catechu* **and Its Response to Zn/Fe Deficiency Stress**

**Guangzhen Zhou <sup>1</sup> , Qiyuan An 1,†, Zheng Liu <sup>2</sup> , Yinglang Wan <sup>1</sup> and Wenlong Bao 2,3,\***


**Abstract:** *Areca catechu* is a commercially important medicinal plant widely cultivated in tropical regions. The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) is widespread in plants and plays critical roles in transporting metal ions, plant growth, and development. However, the information on *NRAMPs* in *A. catechu* is quite limited. In this study, we identified 12 *NRAMPs* genes in the areca genome, which were classified into five groups by phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization analysis reveals that, except for NRAMP2, NRAMP3, and NRAMP11, which are localized in chloroplasts, all other NRAMPs are localized on the plasma membrane. Genomic distribution analysis shows that 12 *NRAMPs* genes are unevenly spread on seven chromosomes. Sequence analysis shows that motif 1 and motif 6 are highly conserved motifs in 12 *NRAMPs*. Synteny analysis provided deep insight into the evolutionary characteristics of *AcNRAMP* genes. Among the *A. catechu* and the other three representative species, we identified a total of 19 syntenic gene pairs. Analysis of Ka/Ks values indicates that *AcNRAMP* genes are subjected to purifying selection in the evolutionary process. Analysis of cis-acting elements reveals that *AcNRAMP* genes promoter sequences contain light-responsive elements, defense- and stress-responsive elements, and plant growth/developmentresponsive elements. Expression profiling confirms distinct expression patterns of *AcNRAMP* genes in different organs and responses to Zn/Fe deficiency stress in leaves and roots. Taken together, our results lay a foundation for further exploration of the *AcNRAMPs* regulatory function in areca response to Fe and Zn deficiency.

**Keywords:** *Areca catechu*; NRAMP; Fe and Zn deficiency; stress response; gene expression
