Histone deacetylase SbHDT701 in Sorghum bicolor reveals functions in response to stress factors by enhancing acetylation.

Histone acetylation plays important roles in eukaryotic chromatin modification and gene expression regulation. Acetylation levels are modulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs), which function as key epigenetic factors that regulate gene expression in response to various stresses. HDT701, a member of the HD2 subfamily of HDACs, plays crucial roles in plant responses to abiotic stress and pathogen infection. Here, we analysed the expression pattern of SbHDT701 in sorghum. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results showed that expression of SbHDT701 was tissue-specific, and up-regulated under drought (d-mannitol) and salt (NaCl) stresses. We also determined the optimal expression conditions for SbHDT701 protein accumulation, and successfully expressed and purified SbHDT701 protein. Besides, overexpression of SbHDT701 in could promote the growth of recombinant cells under abiotic stress. SbHDT701 expression in Escherichia coli also increased acetylation modification levels following treatment with 750 mM NaCl, and 100 mM or 300 mM d-mannitol. In summary, the sorghum HDAC SbHDT701 mediates stress responses by enhancing acetylation modification levels.