Genome-wide identification of bHLH gene family and its response to cadmium stress in Populus × canescens

• Published in: PeerJ (San Francisco, CA) Vol. 12; p. e17410
• Main Authors: Yao, Yuneng, He, Zhengquan, Li, Xinmeng, Xu, Jing, Han, Xiaojiao, Liang, Hongwei, Zhuo, Renying, Qiu, Wenmin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States PeerJ Inc 27.05.2024
• Subjects: Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors - genetics; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors - metabolism; bHLH gene family; Bioinformatics; Cadmium - metabolism; Cadmium - toxicity; Cd stress; Environmental Contamination and Remediation; Forestry; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant - drug effects; Genome, Plant; Multigene Family; Plant Proteins - genetics; Plant Proteins - metabolism; Plant Science; Populus - drug effects; Populus - genetics; Populus - metabolism; Populus canescens; Promoter Regions, Genetic - genetics; Soil Science; Stress, Physiological - drug effects; Stress, Physiological - genetics; Cd stress; Populus canescens; bHLH gene family
• ISSN: 2167-8359; 2167-8359
• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17410

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family is integral to various aspects of plant development and the orchestration of stress response. This study focuses on the bHLH genes within , a poplar species noted for its significant tolerance to cadmium (Cd) stress. Through our comprehensive genomic analysis, we have identified and characterized 170 genes within the genome. These genes have been systematically classified into 22 distant subfamilies based on their evolutionary relationships. A notable conservation in gene structure and motif compositions were conserved across these subfamilies. Further analysis of the promoter regions of these genes revealed an abundance of essential cis-acting element, which are associated with plant hormonal regulation, development processes, and stress response pathway. Utilizing quantitative PCR (qPCR), we have documented the differential regulation of PcbHLHs in response to elevated Cd concentrations, with distinct expression patterns observed across various tissues. This study is poised to unravel the molecular mechanism underpinning Cd tolerance in , offering valuable insights for the development of new cultivars with enhanced Cd accumulation capacity and tolerance. Such advancements are crucial for implementing effective phytoremediation strategies to mitigate soil pollution caused by Cd.