Phylogenetic and expression analyses of HSF gene families in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and characterization of TaHSFB4-2B under abiotic stress

Characterization of the Heat Shock Transcription Factor Family in Lycoris radiata and Its Potential Roles in Response to Abiotic Stresses

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are an essential plant-specific transcription factor family that regulates the developmental and growth stages of plants, their signal transduction, and their response to different abiotic and biotic stresses. The HSF gene family has been characterized and systematically observed in various species; however, research on its association with Lycoris radiata is limited. This study identified 22 HSF genes (LrHSFs) in the transcriptome-sequencing data of L. radiata and categorized them into three classes including HSFA, HSFB, and HSFC, comprising 10, 8, and 4 genes, respectively. This research comprises basic bioinformatics analyses, such as protein sequence length, molecular weight, and the identification of its conserved motifs. According to the subcellular localization assessment, most LrHSFs were present in the nucleus. Furthermore, the LrHSF gene expression in various tissues, flower developmental stages, two hormones stress, and under four different abiotic stresses were characterized. The data indicated that LrHSF genes, especially LrHSF5, were essentially involved in L. radiata development and its response to different abiotic and hormone stresses. The gene-gene interaction network analysis revealed the presence of synergistic effects between various LrHSF genes' responses against abiotic stresses. In conclusion, these results provided crucial data for further functional analyses of LrHSF genes, which could help successful molecular breeding in L. radiata.

Genome-Wide Identification of HSF Gene Family in Kiwifruit and the Function of AeHSFA2b in Salt Tolerance

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and response to various abiotic stresses. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the AeHSF gene family at genome-wide level in kiwifruit (Actinidia eriantha), focusing on their functions in the response to abiotic stresses. A total of 41 AeHSF genes were identified and categorized into three primary groups, namely, HSFA, HSFB, and HSFC. Further transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of AeHSFA2b/2c and AeHSFB1c/1d/2c/3b was strongly induced by salt, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR assays. The overexpression of AeHSFA2b in Arabidopsis significantly improved the tolerance to salt stress by increasing AtRS5, AtGolS1 and AtGolS2 expression. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that AeHSFA2b could bind to the AeRFS4 promoter directly. Therefore, we speculated that AeHSFA2b may activate AeRFS4 expression by directly binding its promoter to enhance the kiwifruit's tolerance to salt stress. These results will provide a new insight into the evolutionary and functional mechanisms of AeHSF genes in kiwifruit.

Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis heat shock transcription factor (Hsf) members in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) at the seeding stage under abiotic stresses

Heat shock transcription factors (Hsf) are pivotal as essential transcription factors. They function as direct transcriptional activators of genes regulated by thermal stress and are closely associated with various abiotic stresses. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a vegetable of considerable economic and nutritional significance, abundant in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Nevertheless, asparagus is sensitive to environmental stresses, and specific abiotic stresses harm its yield and quality. In this context, Hsf members have been discerned through the reference genome, and a comprehensive analysis encompassing physical and chemical attributes, evolutionary aspects, motifs, gene structure, cis-acting elements, collinearity, and expression patterns under abiotic stresses has been conducted. The findings identified 18 members, categorized into five distinct subgroups. Members within each subgroup exhibited analogous motifs, gene structures, and cis-acting elements. Collinearity analysis unveiled a noteworthy pattern, revealing that Hsf members within asparagus shared one, two, and three pairs with counterparts in Arabidopsis, Oryza sativa, and Glycine max, respectively.Furthermore, members displayed tissue-specific expression during the seedling stage, with roots emerging as viable target tissue. Notably, the expression levels of certain members underwent modification under the influence of abiotic stresses. This study establishes a foundational framework for understanding Hsf members and offers valuable insights into the potential application of molecular breeding in the context of asparagus cultivation.