Genome-wide identification and genetic characterization of HKT potassium transporters and their response to abiotic stress in barley

The high-affinity potassium (K+) transporter (HKT) is pivotal in maintaining the homeostasis of sodium (Na+) and K+ within plant cells and plays an crucial role in plant response to various abiotic stress. However, the detailed bioinformatics characteristics and stress response patterns of the HKT in barley have remained largely unexplored. In this study, Six HKT genes (HvHKTs) were identified in the barley genome, which were categorized into four subfamilies. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that all HvHKTs were localized to the plasma membrane, sharing similar conserved motifs and protein structures. Futhermore, the promoters of HvHKTs contains a variety of elements that are responsive to various abiotic stresses, suggesting a potential role for the HvHKT family in abiotic stress regulation. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay revealed that HvHKTs exhibited distinct response characteristics under salinity, drought and low K+ stresses. In conclusion, this study provides a reference for further exploration the functions and mechanisms of HvHKT genes in response to abiotic stresses.