Genome wide identification, molecular characterization, and gene expression analyses of grapevine NHX antiporters suggest their involvement in growth, ripening, seed dormancy, and stress response

Abstract

Plant NHX antiporters are critical for cellular pH, Na+, and K+ homeostasis and salt tolerance. Even though their genomic and functional studies have been conducted in many species, the grapevine NHX family has not been described yet. Our work highlights the presence of six VvNHX genes whose phylogenetic analysis revealed their classification in two distinct groups: group I vacuolar (VvNHX1--5) and group II endosomal (VvNHX6). Several cis-acting regulatory elements related to tissue-specific expression, transcription factor binding, abiotic/biotic stresses response, and light regulation elements were identified in their promoter. Expression profile analyses of VvNHX genes showed variable transcription within organs and tissues with diverse patterns according to biochemical, environmental, and biotic treatments. All VvNHXs are involved in berry growth, except VvNHX5 that seems to be rather implicated in seed maturation. VvNHX4 would be more involved in floral development, while VvNHX2 and 3 display redundant roles. QPCR expression analyses of VvNHX1 showed its induction by NaCl and KNO3 treatments, whereas VvNHX6 was induced by ABA application and strongly repressed by PEG treatment. VvNHX1 plays a crucial role in a bunch of grape developmental steps and adaptation responses through mechanisms of phyto-hormonal signaling. Overall, VvNHX family members could be valuable candidate genes for grapevine improvement.