Exploring the Heat Shock Transcription Factor (<i>HSF</i>) Gene Family in Ginger: A Genome-Wide Investigation on Evolution, Expression Profiling, and Response to Developmental and Abiotic Stresses

oleh: Dongzhu Jiang, Maoqin Xia, Haitao Xing, Min Gong, Yajun Jiang, Huanfang Liu, Hong-Lei Li

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-08-01

Deskripsi

Ginger is a valuable crop known for its nutritional, seasoning, and health benefits. However, abiotic stresses, such as high temperature and drought, can adversely affect its growth and development. Heat shock transcription factors (<i>HSFs</i>) have been recognized as crucial elements for enhancing heat and drought resistance in plants. Nevertheless, no previous study has investigated the <i>HSF</i> gene family in ginger. In this research, a total of 25 <i>ZoHSF</i> members were identified in the ginger genome, which were unevenly distributed across ten chromosomes. The <i>ZoHSF</i> members were divided into three groups (HSFA, HSFB, and HSFC) based on their gene structure, protein motifs, and phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis. Interestingly, we found more collinear gene pairs between <i>ZoHSF</i> and <i>HSF</i> genes from monocots, such as rice, wheat, and banana, than dicots like <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>. Additionally, we identified 12 <i>ZoHSF</i> genes that likely arose from duplication events. Promoter analysis revealed that the hormone response elements (MEJA-responsiveness and abscisic acid responsiveness) were dominant among the various cis-elements related to the abiotic stress response in <i>ZoHSF</i> promoters. Expression pattern analysis confirmed differential expression of <i>ZoHSF</i> members across different tissues, with most showing responsiveness to heat and drought stress. This study lays the foundation for further investigations into the functional role of <i>ZoHSFs</i> in regulating abiotic stress responses in ginger.