Ethylene signal transduction initiates with ethylene binding at receptor proteins and terminates in a transcription cascade involving the EIN3/EIL transcription factors. In order to get more insights into the ethylene responsiveness process of banana fruit, we have isolated from banana fruit four cDNA homologs of the Arabidopsis EIN3/EIN3-Like gene, MaEILs (Musa acuminata ethylene insensitive 3-like). Sequence comparison with other banana EIL genes already registered in the database led us to conclude that, at this day, at least 5 different genes namely MaEIL1, MaEIL2/AB266318, MaEIL3/AB266319, MaEIL4/AB266320 and AB266321 exist in banana. Expression of these genes were further analysed in peel and pulp tissues, in relationship with changes of fruit ethylene responsiveness and ripening processes. MaEIL mRNAs were detected in all examined tissues but at lower level in peel than in pulp. According to tissues, MaEIL genes were differentially regulated by ripening and ethylene in mature green fruit. MaEIL2/AB266318 was the unique ripening- and ethylene-induced gene, MaEIL1, MaEIL4/AB266320 and AB266321 genes were down-regulated while MAEIL3/ AB266319 presented an unusual pattern of expression. Interestingly, a marked change was observed mainly on MaEIL1 and MaEIL3/AB266319 mRNA accumulation, concomitantly with changes in ethylene responsiveness of fruit. Data presented in this study suggest the importance of a transcriptionally step control in the regulation of EIL genes during banana fruit ripening.