Genome-wide analysis of bHLH transcription factor family reveals their involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is crucial for plant development and stress responses. In this study, we identified 159 bHLH-encoding genes in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome and determined their roles in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the TabHLH genes were classified into 19 groups, which shared similar gene structures and conserved motifs. A comprehensive transcriptome analysis revealed that bHLH genes were differentially expressed in diverse wheat tissues and were responsive to multiple abiotic and biotic stresses. A gene ontology analysis indicated that most bHLH proteins involved in DNA-binding activities and the gene expression regulation. Analyses of interaction networks suggested that TabHLHs mediate networks involved in multiple stress-signaling pathways. The findings of this study may help clarify the intricate transcriptional control of bHLH genes and identify putative stress-responsive genes relevant to the genetic improvement of wheat.