Genomic characterization, expression and functional analysis of the plant homeodomain (PHD) family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under abiotic stresses.

Authors

Tayeb Muhammad, Tao Yang, Haitao Yang, Laipeng Zhao, Xin Bai, Juan Wang, Baike Wang, Qinghui Yu

Published in

Planta. Volume 264. Issue 3. Jul 17, 2026. Epub Jul 17, 2026.

Abstract

Based on the comprehensive characterization of the plant homeodomain (PHD) gene family in tomato, SlPHD10 was identified as a key nuclear-localized protein that enhances drought tolerance by modulating stomatal behavior, reducing water loss, and strengthening antioxidant defense systems, thereby mitigating stress-induced cellular damage. Information retrieved from the sequencing and annotation of tomato genomes may provide important theoretical support for unraveling various physiological and molecular aspects. The PHD finger transcription factor (TF) family plays an essential role in regulating gene expression and different biological processes in plants. However, there is limited information on its role under abiotic stress in tomato. Using bioinformatics approaches, we identified 74 SlPHD family members in the tomato genome, which were phylogenetically classified into four groups. The promoter regions of SlPHD genes contain various cis-regulatory elements related to growth and development, phytohormones, light, and stress responses. RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that SlPHDs manifested distinct expression patterns across diverse tissues or developmental stages, as well as in response to abiotic treatments. Subcellular localization analysis verified the targeting of SlPHD10 to the nucleus. Ectopic expression of SlPHD10 enhanced the growth and drought tolerance of yeast cells, whereas its silencing in tomato plants significantly compromised drought tolerance, resulting in severe wilting. Silenced plants exhibited impaired stomatal regulation, leading to increased water loss and decreased photosynthetic performance. In addition, loss of SlPHD10 function intensified oxidative stress and cellular damage, and disrupted the antioxidant defense capacity. Together, these findings provide a foundation for functional characterization and useful information for future research on the role of SlPHD family members in plant abiotic stress tolerance.

PMID:
42467096
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 17 Jul 2026.

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