BACKGROUND

Zinc-finger proteins (ZFPs) are critical transcription factors in cellular processes, such as growth, development, and abiotic stress responses in eukaryotes. The C2H2 zinc-finger subfamily, characterized by the presence of C2H2 zinc-finger domains, plays a pivotal role in DNA binding, gene regulation, and protein-protein interactions. Despite the well-established functional significance of C2H2 ZFPs in various organisms, their roles in Agaricus bisporus, a commercially important edible fungus, remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by performing a comprehensive genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the C2H2 ZFP family in Agaricus bisporus.

RESULTS

Seventeen AbC2H2 genes were identified in the Agaricus bisporus genome. These genes were subjected to in-depth analysis of their physicochemical properties, chromosomal distributions, structural domains, conserved motifs, phylogenetic relationships, and gene synteny. These findings revealed that AbC2H2 proteins exhibit a wide range of physicochemical characteristics and are distributed across eight distinct chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the evolutionary conservation of these transcription factors in Agaricus bisporus. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the differential expression of AbC2H2 across various tissues and developmental stages. Notably, some AbC2H2 genes were significantly upregulated during mycelial growth and primordium formation, indicating their involvement in the early fungal developmental processes. Quantitative PCR validation further substantiated the transcriptome data, confirming the pivotal role of the AbC2H2 family in regulating the growth and developmental pathways in Agaricus bisporus.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a detailed characterization of the C2H2 zinc-finger protein family in Agaricus bisporus, underscoring its multifaceted role in growth and development. The identification of 17 AbC2H2 genes, coupled with their expression profiles and phylogenetic relationships, provides valuable insights into the functional relevance of these transcription factors. These results suggest that specific AbC2H2 genes are critical during specific developmental stages, including mycelial growth and primordium initiation. This study established a foundation for future functional studies and breeding strategies to enhance the cultivation and stress resilience of Agaricus bisporus.