Genome-wide identification, classification and expression profile analysis of the HSF gene family in Hypericum perforatum

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are critical regulators of plant responses to various abiotic and biotic stresses, including high temperature stress. HSFs are involved in regulating the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) by binding with heat stress elements (HSEs) to defend against high-temperature stress. The H. perforatum genome was recently fully sequenced; this provides a valuable resource for genetic and functional analysis. In this study, 23 putative HpHSF genes were identified and divided into three groups (A, B, and C) based on phylogeny and structural features. Gene structure and conserved motif analyses were performed on HpHSFs members; the DNA-binding domain (DBD), hydrophobic heptad repeat (HR-A/B), and exon-intron boundaries exhibited specific phylogenetic relationships. In addition, the presence of various cisacting elements in the promoter regions of HpHSFs underscored their regulatory function in abiotic stress responses. RT-qPCR analyses showed that most HpHSF genes were expressed in response to heat conditions, suggesting that HpHSFs play potential roles in the heat stress resistance pathway. Our findings are advantageous for the analysis and research of the function of HpHSFs in high temperature stress tolerance in H. perforatum.

Automated summary

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play critical roles in regulating plant responses to various stresses, including high temperature stress, by controlling the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). The recently sequenced H. perforatum genome provided valuable genetic and functional resources for identifying and analyzing 23 putative HpHSF genes. Analysis of HpHSFs' gene structure and conserved motifs indicated specific phylogenetic relationships and suggested their potential regulatory functions in abiotic stress responses, especially in heat stress tolerance.