Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the HSP90 Gene Family in Relation to Developmental and Abiotic Stress in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ginger (<i>Zingiber officinale</i> Roscoe), valued both for its medicinal and culinary uses, can be adversely affected by abiotic stresses such as high temperature and drought, which can impact its growth and development. The HSP90 gene family has been recognized as a crucial element for enhancing heat and drought resistance in plants. Nevertheless, no studies have yet reported on the HSP90 gene family in ginger. This study investigates the HSP90 gene family in ginger and its crucial role in the plant's responses to abiotic stresses. A total of 11 ZoHSP90 members were identified in the ginger genome, and these genes were unevenly distributed across five chromosomes. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the HSP90 proteins in ginger vary in size, ranging from 306 to 886 amino acids. These proteins are predominantly located in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Notably, ten conserved motifs were identified, with variations in motif distribution correlating with phylogenetic relationships among the genes. Furthermore, the gene structure analysis indicated differences in exon numbers, which may reflect specialized regulatory mechanisms and functional differentiation among the <i>ZoHSP90</i> genes. Cis-acting elements within the promoter regions of the <i>ZoHSP90</i> genes were identified, and their involvement in stress responses and hormonal signaling pathways was revealed. These elements are critical for regulating gene expression patterns in response to environmental stimuli, such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid. The presence of these elements indicates that <i>ZoHSP90</i> genes play significant regulatory roles in plant adaptation to environmental changes. Expression profiling of the <i>ZoHSP90</i> genes under various abiotic stress conditions demonstrated tissue specificity and dynamic regulation. Different <i>ZoHSP90</i> genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in response to low-temperature, drought, high-temperature, and salt stresses. This suggests that the HSP90 gene family in ginger possesses both conserved functions and species-specific adaptations to optimize stress responses. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the molecular functions of the HSP90 gene family in ginger and lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at enhancing crop resilience through genetic engineering. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of plant adaptability to environmental stressors, which is crucial for improving agricultural productivity in the face of climate change.