Genome-wide analysis of BHLH and BZIP transcription factors and their temporal expression under abiotic stress conditions in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.), is an important subsistence oil yielding crop of the semi-arid tropics and often exposed to several environmental cues (high temperature, drought & heavy metal). Transcription factors can control the expression of many target genes through specific binding to the cis-acting elements in the promoters of the target genes. The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) represents one of the largest as well as most diverse transcription factor (TFs) families. They are known to play role in both stress as well as in various plant developmental processes. In this study, a comprehensive phylogeny, chromosomal location, conserved motif identification and expression profiles under high temperature and drought stress. of bZIP and bhLH TF gene family was carried in groundnut. A total of 151 bZIP and 39 bHLH transcription factors have been identified from groundnut. Expression analysis during high temperature and heavy metal stress conditions. Gene expression studies revealed differential expressions of bZIP and bhLH TFs suggesting the possible role in various stress mitigation and can serve as a candidate genes for improving abiotic stress tolerance and can be helpful in enhancing the crop productivity under stress conditions.