Genome wide investigation of Hsf gene family in Phoebe bournei: identification, evolution, and expression after abiotic stresses

Abstract

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) have important roles during plant growth and development and responses to abiotic stresses. The identification and function of Hsf genes have been thoroughly studied in various herbaceous plant species, but not woody species, especially Phoebe bournei, an endangered, unique species in China. In this study, 17 members of the Hsf gene family were identified from P. bournei using bioinformatic methods. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PbHsf genes were grouped into three subfamilies: A, B, and C. Conserved motifs, three-dimensional structure, and physicochemical properties of the PbHsf proteins were also analyzed. The structure of the PbHsf genes varied in the number of exons and introns. Prediction of cis-acting elements in the promoter region indicated that PbHsf genes are likely involved in responses to plant hormones and stresses. A collinearity analysis demonstrated that expansions of the PbHsf gene family mainly take place via segmental duplication. The expression levels of PbHsf genes varied across different plant tissues. On the basis of the expression profiles of five representative PbHsf genes during heat, cold, salt, and drought stress, PbHsf proteins seem to have multiple functions depending on the type of abiotic stress. This systematic, genome-wide investigation of PbHsf genes in P. bournei and their expression patterns provides valuable insights and information for further functional dissection of Hsf proteins in this endangered, unique species.

Identification and Expression Profiling of the bZIP Gene Family Throughout the Genome in Phoebe bournei under Abiotic Stress

“…The function of bZIP in abiotic stress in herbaceous perennial plants has been revealed by several studies (Liu et al 2023;Zhou et al 2023), but there are very few studies on the signi cance of bZIP in wood plants like Phoebe bournei (Azeem et al 2020). Compared to herbaceous perennials, wood plants are more vulnerable to long-term harm from intricate environmental stress because of their extended life cycle, and it is extremely di cult to improve their genetic makeup (Liao et al 2023). Therefore, it is imperative to know the roles of the bZIP gene family in P. bournei.…”

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Calmodulin and Calmodulin-like Genes, Revealing CaM3 and CML13 Participating in Drought Stress in Phoebe bournei

“…However, in recent years, over-harvesting and habitat degradation have led to a reduction in the size and fragmentation of the natural population of P. bournei , seriously threatening its survival. At present, a number of protected areas have been established within its range and P. bournei is being propagated and promoted as a silvicultural species [ 29 ]. Therefore, the study of the response mechanism of P. bournei to drought stress is very important for the cultivation and conservation of this species.…”