Characterization of hexokinase gene family members in and functional analysis of under salt stress.

Hexokinase (HXK) is a bifunctional enzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism and sugar signal sensing. HXK gene family has been extensively discussed in many species, while the detailed investigations of the family in have yet to be reported. In this study, 17 genes () were identified in the genome and the features of their encoded proteins, conserved domains, gene structures, and cis-acting elements were systematically characterized. The gene isolated from was firstly constructed into plant expression vector pMDC83 and then transformed with into . The expression of integrated protein was analyzed by Western Blotting. Subcellular localization analysis showed that the was located on both vacuolar and cell membrane. Under salt stress, seedlings growth was significantly improved in overexpressing gene. Furthermore, physiological indicators and expression of salt stress responsive genes involved in K and Na homeostasis were significantly lower in -silenced soybean seedlings obtained by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique under salt stress compared with the control plants. Our study showed that gene played an important role in resisting salt stress, which suggested potential value for the genetic improvement of abiotic resistant crops.