Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the C2H2-type zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) gene family in Dendrobium officinale

This study investigated the gene characteristics of the C2H2-type zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) gene family in Dendrobium officinale and its response to stress. C2H2-ZFP play crucial roles in plant growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolism regulation. This study identified 76 C2H2-ZFP family members (DoZFP1–76) in D. officinale . The promoter regions of the genes had a high density of stress and hormone responsive elements, including those related to light, abscisic acid, and Jasmonic acid. Transcriptome data analysis revealed that DoZFPs were expressed highly in roots and stems. Furthermore, DoZFPs exhibited diverse response patterns to low temperature, salt stress, hormone treatments, and light quality, with 12 genes upregulated significantly under high light conditions. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed substantial upregulation of DoZFP46, DoZFP47, and DoZFP56 in response to elevated light, which was positively associated with polysaccharide accumulation. Furthermore, DoZFP46 and DoZFP56 demonstrated positive correlations with flavonoid accumulation. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations further confirmed that DoZFP46 and DoZFP56 had strong binding affinities and stable conformations with flavonoid metabolism intermediates (Dihydrokaempferol, Naringenin) and a carbohydrate metabolism intermediate (Guanosine_diphosphate_mannose). Together, the present study systematically identified the C2H2-ZFP gene family in D. officinale , and identified the potential functions of its members in abiotic stress responses and secondary metabolism regulation. The findings provided a foundation for understanding how D. officinale resisted stress and formed quality, and established a basis for further screening and breeding activities.