Genomic exploration of HAK/KUP/KT potassium transporter genes in Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck: A comprehensive bioinformatics approach

Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, a member of the Rutaceae family, holds significant economic importance. Potassium (K), an essential macronutrient, is vital in diverse physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, osmoregulation, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. The high-affinity K ion transporters (HAK), K ion uptake permeases (KUP), and K transporters (KT) gene family represents the largest group of K transporters. This study aims to comprehensively analyze HAK/KUP/KT genes in C. sinensis (Cs). Phylogenetic analysis, chromosome distribution, gene structure and conserved protein motif analysis, protein interaction, homology modeling, cis-acting element analysis, functional gene ontology, miRNA analysis, and primer search were performed using CsHAK sequences. Through bioinformatics tools, 25 CsHAK genes were identified and categorized into three distinct groups based on the results of phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, it has been determined that CsHAK genes play a role in K transport, localizing in organelles and plasma membranes. They are found on the first, second, fifth, seventh, and eighth chromosomes. Furthermore, cis-acting elements associated with stress response and miRNAs have been identified. This study provides a robust foundation for future functional genomics research, offering insights into the genetic landscape of K transporters in C. sinensis. The findings contribute valuable information for crop improvement strategies and enhance our understanding of plant responses to environmental challenges.