AUTHOR=Yang Xu , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Aimin , Wei Hengling , Fu Xiaokang , Tian Miaomiao , Ma Liang , Lu Jianhua , Wang Hantao , Yu Shuxun 

TITLE=Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Pattern Analysis of the HAK/KUP/KT Gene Family of Cotton in Fiber Development and Under Stresses

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.566469

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2020.566469

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=<p>The potassium transporter family HAK/KUP/KT is a large group of proteins that are important in plant potassium transport and plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, especially in economic crops. Although <italic>HAK/KUP/KT</italic> genes have been identified in many species, research on these genes in cotton is still quite rare. In this study, in total, 21, 24, 45, and 44 <italic>HAK/KUP/KT</italic> genes were identified in <italic>Gossypium arboreum</italic>, <italic>Gossypium raimondii</italic>, <italic>Gossypium hirsutum</italic>, and <italic>Gossypium barbadense</italic>, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes were divided into four clusters. The <italic>G. hirsutum</italic> gene promoters contained diverse <italic>cis</italic>-regulatory elements, such as drought-responsive elements, low temperature-responsive elements, and other elements. The RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR results showed that <italic>HAK/KUP/KT</italic> genes had different expression patterns in fiber development. The qRT-PCR results of drought and NaCl treatment indicated that <italic>HAK/KUP/KT</italic> genes might play important roles in abiotic stress responses. These results will provide molecular insights into potassium transporter research in cotton.</p>