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Wang Y, Chen L, Yao Y, Chen L, Cui Y, An L, Li X, Bai Y, Yao X, Wu K. Investigating the regulatory role of HvANT2 in anthocyanin biosynthesis through protein-motif interaction in Qingke. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17736. [PMID: 39006012 PMCID: PMC11246018 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, there are no reports on the HvbHLH gene family in the recent barley genome (Morex_V3). Furthermore, the structural genes related to anthocyanin synthesis that interact with HvANT2 have yet to be fully identified. Methods In this study, a bioinformatics approach was used to systematically analyze the HvbHLH gene family. The expression of this gene family was analyzed through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and the gene with the most significant expression level, HvANT2, was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in different tissues of two differently colored varieties. Finally, structural genes related to anthocyanin synthesis and their interactions with HvANT2 were verified using a yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay. Results The study identified 161 bHLH genes, designated as HvbHLH1 to HvbHLH161, from the most recent barley genome available. Evolutionary tree analysis categorized barley bHLH TFs into 21 subfamilies, demonstrating a pronounced similarity to rice and maize. Through RNA-Seq analysis of purple and white grain Qingke, we discovered a significant transcription factor (TF), HvANT2 (HvbHLH78), associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. Subsequently, HvANT2 protein-motifs interaction assays revealed 41 interacting motifs, three of which were validated through Y1H experiments. These validated motifs were found in the promoter regions of key structural genes (CHI, F3'H, and GT) integral to the anthocyanin synthesis pathway. These findings provide substantial evidence for the pivotal role of HvANT2 TF in anthocyanin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Youhua Yao
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Lupeng Chen
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yongmei Cui
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Likun An
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yixiong Bai
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Yao
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Kunlun Wu
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Laboratory for Research and Utilization of Qinghai Tibet Plateau Germplasm Resources, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley Genetics and Breeding, Xining, Qinghai, China
- Qinghai Subcenter of National Hulless Barley Improvement, Xining, Qinghai, China
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Chen X, Yao C, Liu J, Liu J, Fang J, Deng H, Yao Q, Kang T, Guo X. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family in rye (Secale cereale L.): genome-wide identification, phylogeny, evolutionary expansion and expression analyses. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:67. [PMID: 38233751 PMCID: PMC10792839 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rye (Secale cereale), one of the drought and cold-tolerant crops, is an important component of the Triticae Dumortier family of Gramineae plants. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), an important family of transcription factors, has played pivotal roles in regulating numerous intriguing biological processes in plant development and abiotic stress responses. However, no systemic analysis of the bHLH transcription factor family has yet been reported in rye. RESULTS In this study, 220 bHLH genes in S. cereale (ScbHLHs) were identified and named based on the chromosomal location. The evolutionary relationships, classifications, gene structures, motif compositions, chromosome localization, and gene replication events in these ScbHLH genes are systematically analyzed. These 220 ScbHLH members are divided into 21 subfamilies and one unclassified gene. Throughout evolution, the subfamilies 5, 9, and 18 may have experienced stronger expansion. The segmental duplications may have contributed significantly to the expansion of the bHLH family. To systematically analyze the evolutionary relationships of the bHLH family in different plants, we constructed six comparative genomic maps of homologous genes between rye and different representative monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Finally, the gene expression response characteristics of 22 ScbHLH genes in various biological processes and stress responses were analyzed. Some candidate genes, such as ScbHLH11, ScbHLH48, and ScbHLH172, related to tissue developments and environmental stresses were screened. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that these ScbHLH genes exhibit characteristic expression in different tissues, grain development stages, and stress treatments. These findings provided a basis for a comprehensive understanding of the bHLH family in rye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chen
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Caimei Yao
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Jintao Liu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Jingmei Fang
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Hong Deng
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Qian Yao
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Tairan Kang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Guo
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China.
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Yang J, Qiu L, Mei Q, Sun Y, Li N, Gong X, Ma F, Mao K. MdHB7-like positively modulates apple salt tolerance by promoting autophagic activity and Na + efflux. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 116:669-689. [PMID: 37471682 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Salt stress adversely affects the yield and quality of crops and limits their geographical distribution. Studying the functions and regulatory mechanisms of key genes in the salt stress response is important for breeding crops with enhanced stress resistance. Autophagy plays an important role in modulating the tolerance of plants to various types of abiotic stressors. However, the mechanisms underlying salt-induced autophagy are largely unknown. Cation/Ca2+ exchanger proteins enhance apple salt tolerance by inhibiting Na+ accumulation but the mechanism underlying the response to salt stress remains unclear. Here, we show that the autophagy-related gene MdATG18a modulated apple salt tolerance. Under salt stress, the autophagic activity, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities were higher and Na+ accumulation was lower in MdATG18a-overexpressing transgenic plants than in control plants. The use of an autophagy inhibitor during the salt treatment demonstrated that the regulatory function of MdATG18a depended on autophagy. The yeast-one-hybrid assay revealed that the homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factor MdHB7-like directly bound to the MdATG18a promoter. Transcriptional regulation and genetic analyses showed that MdHB7-like enhanced salt-induced autophagic activity by promoting MdATG18a expression. The analysis of Na+ efflux rate in transgenic yeast indicated that MdCCX1 expression significantly promoted Na+ efflux. Promoter binding, transcriptional regulation, and genetic analyses showed that MdHB7-like promoted Na+ efflux and apple salt tolerance by directly promoting MdCCX1 expression, which was independent of the autophagy pathway. Overall, our findings provide insight into the mechanism underlying MdHB7-like-mediated salt tolerance in apple through the MdHB7-like-MdATG18a and MdHB7-like-MdCCX1 modules. These results will aid future studies on the mechanisms underlying stress-induced autophagy and the regulation of stress tolerance in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lina Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Quanlin Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yunxia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoqing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fengwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ke Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
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Xue G, Fan Y, Zheng C, Yang H, Feng L, Chen X, Yang Y, Yao X, Weng W, Kong L, Liu C, Cheng J, Ruan J. bHLH transcription factor family identification, phylogeny, and its response to abiotic stress in Chenopodium quinoa. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1171518. [PMID: 37476176 PMCID: PMC10355129 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1171518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The second-largest transcription factor superfamily in plants is that of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family, which plays an important complex physiological role in plant growth, tissue development, and environmental adaptation. Systematic research on the Chenopodium quinoa bHLH family will enable a better understanding of this species. Herein, authors used a variety of bioinformatics methods and quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to explore the evolution and function of the 218 CqbHLH genes identified. A total of 218 CqbHLH transcription factor genes were identified in the whole genome, located on 18 chromosomes. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the CqbHLH and AtbHLH proteins to determine their homology, and the members were divided into 20 subgroups and one unclustered gene. Authors also analyzed 218 CqbHLH genes, conservative motifs, chromosome diffusion, and gene replication. The author constructed one Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree and a collinearity analysis map of the bHLH family in C. quinoa and six other plant species to study the evolutionary relationship and homology among multiple species. In addition, the expression levels of 20 CqbHLH members from different subgroups in various tissues, different fruit developmental stages, and six abiotic stresses were analyzed. Authors identified 218 CqbHLH genes and studied their biological functions, providing a basis for better understanding and further studying the bHLH family in quinoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxing Xue
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yue Fan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Xinjiang Institute of Technology, Aksu, China
| | - Chunyu Zheng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Xinjiang Institute of Technology, Aksu, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Agricultural Service Center of Langde Town, Kaili, Guizhou, China
| | - Liang Feng
- Chengdu Institute of Food Inspection, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanqi Yang
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xin Yao
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenfeng Weng
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lingyan Kong
- The First Senior Middle School of Yuanyang County, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- Henan Institute of Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jianping Cheng
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingjun Ruan
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Liu Z, Fu X, Xu H, Zhang Y, Shi Z, Zhou G, Bao W. Comprehensive Analysis of bHLH Transcription Factors in Ipomoea aquatica and Its Response to Anthocyanin Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065652. [PMID: 36982726 PMCID: PMC10057536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins compose one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in plants, which play a vital role in regulating plant biological processes including growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Ipomoea aquatica is one of the most important nutrient-rich vegetables. Compared to the common green-stemmed I. aquatica, purple-stemmed I. aquatica has extremely high contents of anthocyanins. However, the information on bHLH genes in I. aquatica and their role in regulating anthocyanin accumulation is still unclear. In this study, we confirmed a total of 157 bHLH genes in the I. aquatica genome, which were classified into 23 subgroups according to their phylogenetic relationship with the bHLH of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtbHLH). Of these, 129 IabHLH genes were unevenly distributed across 15 chromosomes, while 28 IabHLH genes were spread on the scaffolds. Subcellular localization prediction revealed that most IabHLH proteins were localized in the nucleus, while some were in the chloroplast, extracellular space, and endomembrane system. Sequence analysis revealed conserved motif distribution and similar patterns of gene structure within IabHLH genes of the same subfamily. Analysis of gene duplication events indicated that DSD and WGD played a vital role in the IabHLH gene family expansion. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression levels of 13 IabHLH genes were significantly different between the two varieties. Of these, the IabHLH027 had the highest expression fold change, and its expression level was dramatically higher in purple-stemmed I. aquatica than that in green-stemmed I. aquatica. All upregulated DEGs in purple-stemmed I. aquatica exhibited the same expression trends in both qRT-PCR and RNA-seq. Three downregulated genes including IabHLH142, IabHLH057, and IabHLH043 determined by RNA-seq had opposite expression trends of those detected by qRT-PCR. Analysis of the cis-acting elements in the promoter region of 13 differentially expressed genes indicated that light-responsive elements were the most, followed by phytohormone-responsive elements and stress-responsive elements, while plant growth and development-responsive elements were the least. Taken together, this work provides valuable clues for further exploring IabHLH function and facilitating the breeding of anthocyanin-rich functional varieties of I. aquatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Horticulture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaoai Fu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Horticulture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Horticulture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Horticulture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhidi Shi
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Horticulture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Guangzhen Zhou
- College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Wenlong Bao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, School of Horticulture, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Correspondence:
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Chang S, Li Q, Huang B, Chen W, Tan H. Genome-wide identification and characterisation of bHLH transcription factors in Artemisia annua. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:63. [PMID: 36721100 PMCID: PMC9890702 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A. annua (also named Artemisia annua, sweet wormwood) is the main source of the anti-malarial drug artemisinin, which is synthesised and stored in its trichomes. Members of the basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors (TFs) have been implicated in artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua and in trichome development in other plant species. RESULTS Here, we have systematically identified and characterised 226 putative bHLH TFs in A. annua. All of the proteins contain a HLH domain, 213 of which also contain the basic motif that mediates DNA binding of HLH dimers. Of these, 22 also contained a Myc domain that permits dimerisation with other families of TFs; only two proteins lacking the basic motif contained a Myc domain. Highly conserved GO annotations reflected the transcriptional regulatory role of the identified TFs, and suggested conserved roles in biological processes such as iron homeostasis, and guard cell and endosperm development. Expression analysis revealed that three genes (AabHLH80, AabHLH96, and AaMyc-bHLH3) exhibited spatiotemporal expression patterns similar to genes encoding key enzymes in artemisinin synthesis. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis of bHLH TFs provides a new resource to direct further analysis into key molecular mechanisms underlying and regulating artemisinin biosynthesis and trichome development, as well as other biological processes, in the key medicinal plant A. annua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Chang
- Department Chinese Medicine Authentication, College of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department Chinese Medicine Authentication, College of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Baokang Huang
- Department Chinese Medicine Authentication, College of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wansheng Chen
- Department Chinese Medicine Authentication, College of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Hexin Tan
- Department Chinese Medicine Authentication, College of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Shanghai, China
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Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the bHLH Transcription Factor Family and Its Response to Abiotic Stress in Mongolian Oak ( Quercus mongolica). Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1127-1148. [PMID: 36826020 PMCID: PMC9955707 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family, one of the largest families of transcription factors in plants, is extensively involved in the growth, development, and stress response of several woody plants. However, no systematic analysis of the bHLH gene family in Quercus mongolica has been reported. We characterize QmbHLH genes and identify the functions of QmbHLH proteins in Q. mongolica. We used bioinformatics approaches, qRT-PCR analysis, and RNA sequencing data to examine chromosomal distributions, gene structures, and conserved patterns, and identified 89 QmbHLH genes, which were divided into 21 subgroups based on the phylogenetic analysis of bHLH genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Segmental replication played a more prominent role than tandem duplication in the expansion of the QmbHLH gene family. Based on patterns of tissue-specific expression, protein interactions, and cis-element analysis, QmbHLH genes may be extensively involved in the growth and development of Q. mongolica. In leaves, stems, and roots, 12 selected QmbHLH genes exhibited responsiveness to abiotic stresses (salt, cold, weak light, and drought). Our study facilitates follow-up functional investigations of the bHLH gene family in Q. mongolica and provides novel insights into bHLH superfamilies in woody plants.
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Zuo ZF, Lee HY, Kang HG. Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors: Regulators for Plant Growth Development and Abiotic Stress Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021419. [PMID: 36674933 PMCID: PMC9867082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are involved in many physiological processes, and they play important roles in the abiotic stress responses. The literature related to genome sequences has increased, with genome-wide studies on the bHLH transcription factors in plants. Researchers have detailed the functionally characterized bHLH transcription factors from different aspects in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, such as iron homeostasis and abiotic stresses; however, other important economic crops, such as rice, have not been summarized and highlighted. The bHLH members in the same subfamily have similar functions; therefore, unraveling their regulatory mechanisms will help us to identify and understand the roles of some of the unknown bHLH transcription factors in the same subfamily. In this review, we summarize the available knowledge on functionally characterized bHLH transcription factors according to four categories: plant growth and development; metabolism synthesis; plant signaling, and abiotic stress responses. We also highlight the roles of the bHLH transcription factors in some economic crops, especially in rice, and discuss future research directions for possible genetic applications in crop breeding.
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Luo R, Pan W, Liu W, Tian Y, Zeng Y, Li Y, Li Z, Cui L. The barley DIR gene family: An expanded gene family that is involved in stress responses. Front Genet 2022; 13:1042772. [PMID: 36406120 PMCID: PMC9667096 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1042772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene family expansion plays a central role in adaptive divergence and, ultimately, speciation is influenced by phenotypic diversity in different environments. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is the fourth most important cereal crop in the world and is used for brewing purposes, animal feed, and human food. Systematic characterization of expanded gene families is instrumental in the research of the evolutionary history of barley and understanding of the molecular function of their gene products. A total of 31,750 conserved orthologous groups (OGs) were identified using eight genomes/subgenomes, of which 1,113 and 6,739 were rapidly expanded and contracted OGs in barley, respectively. Five expanded OGs containing 20 barley dirigent genes (HvDIRs) were identified. HvDIRs from the same OG were phylogenetically clustered with similar gene structure and domain organization. In particular, 7 and 5 HvDIRs from OG0000960 and OG0001516, respectively, contributed greatly to the expansion of the DIR-c subfamily. Tandem duplication was the driving force for the expansion of the barley DIR gene family. Nucleotide diversity and haplotype network analysis revealed that the expanded HvDIRs experienced severe bottleneck events during barley domestication, and can thus be considered as potential domestication-related candidate genes. The expression profile and co-expression network analysis revealed the critical roles of the expanded HvDIRs in various biological processes, especially in stress responses. HvDIR18, HvDIR19, and HvDIR63 could serve as excellent candidates for further functional genomics studies to improve the production of barley products. Our study revealed that the HvDIR family was significantly expanded in barley and might be involved in different developmental processes and stress responses. Thus, besides providing a framework for future functional genomics and metabolomics studies, this study also identified HvDIRs as candidates for use in improving barley crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihan Luo
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenqiu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Xintai Urban and Rural Development Group Co., Ltd., Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yihan Li
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Licao Cui
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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10
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Jiang H, Liu L, Shan X, Wen Z, Zhang X, Yao X, Niu G, Shan C, Sun D. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the bHLH gene family in cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea L.). PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 28:1737-1751. [PMID: 36387976 PMCID: PMC9636349 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) are one of the largest TF families in plant species, and they play important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. The present study systematically identified members of the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) bHLH gene family based on genomic data. Analysis of bHLH family gene numbers, evolution, collinearity, gene structures and motifs indicated that cauliflower contained 256 bHLH family genes distributed on 10 chromosomes. Most of these genes have been localized in the nucleus, and they were divided into 18 subgroups which have been relatively conserved during evolution. Promoter analysis showed that most cis-acting elements were related to MeJA and ABA. Expression analysis suggested that 14 bHLH genes may be involved in the transformation of cauliflower curd from white to purple. An expression analysis of these 14 genes in FQ136 material was performed using qRT-PCR, and 9 bHLH genes (BobHLH1, 14, 58, 61, 63, 84, 231, 239 and 243) showed significantly increased or decreased expression in cauliflower from white to purple, which suggests that these 9 genes play important roles in the accumulation of anthocyanins in cauliflower. The coexpression network of these 9 genes and anthocyanin synthesis-related key genes was analyzed using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). In conclusion, our observations suggested that the bHLH gene family plays an important role in the accumulation of anthocyanins in cauliflower and provide an important theoretical basis for further research on the functions of the bHLH gene family and the molecular mechanism of cauliflower coloration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01238-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanmin Jiang
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300192 China
- Vegetable Research Institute of Tianjin Kernel Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350 China
| | - Lili Liu
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300192 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
| | - Xiaozheng Shan
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300192 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
| | - Zhenghua Wen
- Vegetable Research Institute of Tianjin Kernel Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Vegetable Research Institute of Tianjin Kernel Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
| | - Xingwei Yao
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300192 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
| | - Guobao Niu
- Vegetable Research Institute of Tianjin Kernel Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
| | - Changliang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350 China
| | - Deling Sun
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300192 China
- Vegetable Research Institute of Tianjin Kernel Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, 300384 China
- The Tianjin Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding, Tianjin, 300384 China
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Oncul AB, Celik Y, Unel NM, Baloglu MC. Bhlhdb: A next generation database of basic helix loop helix transcription factors based on deep learning model. J Bioinform Comput Biol 2022; 20:2250014. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219720022500147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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An F, Xiao X, Chen T, Xue J, Luo X, Ou W, Li K, Cai J, Chen S. Systematic Analysis of bHLH Transcription Factors in Cassava Uncovers Their Roles in Postharvest Physiological Deterioration and Cyanogenic Glycosides Biosynthesis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:901128. [PMID: 35789698 PMCID: PMC9249602 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.901128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are a large superfamily of transcription factors, and play a central role in a wide range of metabolic, physiological, and developmental processes in higher organisms. However, systematic investigation of bHLH gene family in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has not been reported. In the present study, we performed a genome-wide survey and identified 148 MebHLHs genes were unevenly harbored in 18 chromosomes. Through phylogenetic analyses along with Arabidopsis counterparts, these MebHLHs genes were divided into 19 groups, and each gene contains a similar structure and conserved motifs. Moreover, many cis-acting regulatory elements related to various defense and stress responses showed in MebHLH genes. Interestingly, transcriptome data analyses unveiled 117 MebHLH genes during postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) process of cassava tuberous roots, while 65 MebHLH genes showed significantly change. Meanwhile, the relative quantitative analysis of 15 MebHLH genes demonstrated that they were sensitive to PPD, suggesting they may involve in PPD process regulation. Cyanogenic glucosides (CGs) biosynthesis during PPD process was increased, silencing of MebHLH72 and MebHLH114 showed that linamarin content was significantly decreased in the leaves. To summarize, the genome-wide identification and expression profiling of MebHLH candidates pave a new avenue for uderstanding their function in PPD and CGs biosynthesis, which will accelerate the improvement of PPD tolerance and decrease CGs content in cassava tuberous roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei An
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xinhui Xiao
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Postgraduate Department, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
| | - Jingjing Xue
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
| | - Xiuqin Luo
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
| | - Wenjun Ou
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
| | - Kaimian Li
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
- Jie Cai,
| | - Songbi Chen
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture for Germplasm Resources Conservation and Utilization of Cassava, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Songbi Chen,
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Identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis-related bHLH Genes in Blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413274. [PMID: 34948071 PMCID: PMC8708680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic helix-loop-helix proteins (bHLHs) play very important roles in the anthocyanin biosynthesis of many plant species. However, the reports on blueberry anthocyanin biosynthesis-related bHLHs were very limited. In this study, six anthocyanin biosynthesis-related bHLHs were identified from blueberry genome data through homologous protein sequence alignment. Among these blueberry bHLHs, VcAN1, VcbHLH42-1, VcbHLH42-2 and VcbHLH42-3 were clustered into one group, while VcbHLH1-1 and VcbHLH1-2 were clustered into the other group. All these bHLHs were of the bHLH-MYC_N domain, had DNA binding sites and reported conserved amino acids in the bHLH domain, indicating that they were all G-box binding proteins. Protein subcellular location prediction result revealed that all these bHLHs were nucleus-located. Gene structure analysis showed that VcAN1 gDNA contained eight introns, while all the others contained seven introns. Many light-, phytohormone-, stress- and plant growth and development-related cis-acting elements and transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) were identified in their promoters, but the types and numbers of cis-elements and TFBSs varied greatly between the two bHLH groups. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that VcAN1 expressed highly in old leaf, stem and blue fruit, and its expression increased as the blueberry fruit ripened. Its expression in purple podetium and old leaf was respectively significantly higher than in green podetium and young leaf, indicating that VcAN1 plays roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation not only in fruit but also in podetium and leaf. VcbHLH1-1 expressed the highest in young leaf and stem, and the lowest in green fruit. The expression of VcbHLH1-1 also increased as the fruit ripened, and its expression in blue fruit was significantly higher than in green fruit. VcbHLH1-2 showed high expression in stem but low expression in fruit, especially in red fruit. Our study indicated that the anthocyanin biosynthesis regulatory functions of these bHLHs showed certain spatiotemporal specificity. Additionally, VcAN1 might be a key gene controlling the anthocyanin biosynthesis in blueberry, whose function is worth exploring further for its potential applications in plant high anthocyanin breeding.
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