Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression of the Gene Family in (Danshen) and the Potential Thermotolerance of and in Yeast.

Bunge (Danshen) is a traditional Chinese herb with significant medicinal value. The yield and quality of Danshen are greatly affected by climatic conditions, in particular high temperatures. Heat shock factors (Hsfs) play important regulatory roles in plant response to heat and other environmental stresses. However, little is currently known about the role played by the gene family in . Here, we identified 35 genes and classified them into three major groups: SmHsfA (n = 22), SmHsfB (n = 11), and SmHsfC (n = 2) using phylogenetic analysis. The gene structure and protein motifs were relatively conserved within subgroups but diverged among the different groups. The expansion of the gene family was mainly driven by whole-genome/segmental and dispersed gene duplications. The expression profile of in four distinct organs revealed its members (23/35) are predominantly expressed in the root. The expression of a large number of was regulated by drought, ultraviolet, heat and exogenous hormones. Notably, the and genes in SmHsfB2 were the most responsive to heat and are conserved between dicots and monocots. Finally, heterologous expression analysis showed that and enhance thermotolerance in yeast. Our results provide a solid foundation for further functional investigation of in Danshen plants as a response to abiotic stresses.