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Genetic research

Whole-Genome Identification and Expression Characterization of the HSFP Gene Family of Triticum aestivum

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— 2 min read

Research conducted at Henan University of Technology has shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of heat and drought adaptation in Triticum aestivum, a staple crop facing increasing threats from climate change. By employing bioinformatics approaches, the researchers identified 81 non-redundant TaHSFP genes in the Triticum aestivum genome, which are unevenly distributed across all 21 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed five distinct evolutionary lineages, showing expanded complexity compared to Arabidopsis and rice. The study also highlighted the importance of stress-responsive cis-elements in the promoter regions of TaHSFP genes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers identified 81 non-redundant TaHSFP genes in the Triticum aestivum genome, which are unevenly distributed across all 21 chromosomes.
  • Phylogenetic analysis classified TaHSFP proteins into five distinct evolutionary lineages, showing expanded complexity compared to Arabidopsis and rice.
  • Structural characterization revealed 10 conserved motifs (Motif 1-10) and prevalent bi-exonic (62 genes) or tri-exonic (10 genes) architectures.
  • Promoter regions of TaHSFP genes are enriched with stress-responsive cis-elements (e.g., abscisic acid, drought, and heat shock elements).
  • Subcellular localization predictions indicate 75 proteins target the nucleus, 4 the cytoplasm, and 2 chloroplasts.
  • Expression profiling using transcriptome data and qRT-PCR (3 biological replicates, 2 technical replicates) showed tissue-specific expression, with 37 TaHSFP genes highly expressed in leaves and stems.
  • Under heat (40°C), drought (20 % PEG-6000), and combined stress, 12 TaHSFP genes were significantly upregulated (log2FC 2, p < 0.001).
  • The researchers concluded that the identified stress-responsive TaHSFP genes and their regulatory motifs offer novel targets for improving Triticum aestivum resilience to climate stress via molecular breeding.

Statistics:

  • 81 non-redundant TaHSFP genes identified in the Triticum aestivum genome.
  • 21 chromosomes unevenly distributed across.
  • 5 distinct evolutionary lineages classified by phylogenetic analysis.
  • 10 conserved motifs revealed by structural characterization.
  • 62 genes with bi-exonic architectures.
  • 10 genes with tri-exonic architectures.
  • 75 proteins target the nucleus, 4 the cytoplasm, and 2 chloroplasts.
  • 37 TaHSFP genes highly expressed in leaves and stems.
  • 12 TaHSFP genes significantly upregulated under heat, drought, and combined stress (log2FC 2, p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • Wang, Q., et al. (2025). Whole-genome identification and expression characterization of the HSFP gene family of Triticum aestivum under heat and drought stress. Plant Science, 362, 112780.
  • Henan University of Technology. (2025). Study Findings on Science Are Outlined in Reports from Henan University of Technology. Science Letter, 3484.
  • NewsRx. (2025). Study Findings on Science Are Outlined in Reports from Henan University of Technology (Whole-genome identification and expression characterization of the HSFP gene family of Triticum aestivum under heat and drought stress). Science Letter. October 17, 2025; p 3484.
  • Elsevier Ireland Ltd. (2025). Plant Science. Journal home page.

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