<i>StWRKY65</i> stimulates thermotolerance in potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.) through antioxidant and photosynthetic modulation.

ABSTRACT: Heat stress severely impacts the growth and development of potato plants. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying thermotolerance, particularly the role of WRKY transcription factors (TFs), remain poorly understood. Here, we identified StWRKY65 as a heat-responsive gene in potato, demonstrating significant transcriptional upregulation under 30°C and 35°C heat stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis classified StWRKY65 into the WRKY Group II family, revealing high evolutionary conservation with its tomato ortholog SlWRKY65. Subcellular localization confirmed its nuclear targeting. Additionally, we generated transgenic potato lines with overexpression (OE) or RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated suppression of the target gene. Under heat stress, OE lines exhibited enhanced thermotol

SUBMITTER: Zhu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12319013 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature