Genome-wide identification and analysis of the Q-type C2H2 gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Plant Q-type C2H2 zinc finger proteins play an important role in plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. Although the Q-type C2H2 gene family has been identified in many plants, little is known about it in potato (Solanum tuberosum). In the present study, a total of 79 Q-type C2H2 proteins in potato (StZFPs) were identified and their distribution on chromosomes, gene structure, and conserved motifs was assessed. According to their protein structural and phylogenetic features, these 79 StZFPs were classified into 12 distinct subclasses. Collinearity analysis showed that tandem and segmental duplication events played a crucial role in expansion of the StZFP gene family. Synteny analysis indicated that 11 and 21 StZFP genes were orthologous to Arabidopsis and wheat (Triticum aestivum), respectively. RNA-seq data were used to analyze the tissue-specific expression and abiotic stress responses of the StZFP genes. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression of StZFP genes in drought-sensitive and drought-tolerant potato cultivars under drought stress. Subsequently, we used qPCR (Quantitative real-time-PCR) to calculate the relative expression of candidate genes in potato plantlets treated with NaCl (100 mM) and PEG 6000 (10% w/v) for 24 h. Such candidate genes could provide valuable information for abiotic stress resistance research in potato.