Molecular characterization of a novel heat shock transcription factor gene TaHsfA2-11 and its overexpression improves thermotolerance in wheat

High temperature is a major constrait limiting the yield and quality of wheat. Wheat heat shock transcription factor (Hsf) plays important roles in regulating plant response to heat shock. In previous study, we found there are 82 Hsfs in wheat and TaHsfA2-11 expression was obviously upregulated by heat stress. In this study, we aim to investigate TaHsfA2-11 function and regulating mechanism in response to heat shock through genetic transformation into wheat Fielder. Gene expression analyses results showed that TaHsfA2-11 was expressed in all detected tissues and the most highly expressed level was in wheat mature roots. The expression level of TaHsfA2-11 was strongly upregulated by heat shock in wheat leaves. Subcellular localization results represented that TaHsfA2-11 is located to the nucleus. Transgenic wheat seedlings overexpressing TaHsfA2-11 showed stronger thermotolerance than the control Fielder after treated under 50 degrees C for 12 h. After heat shock, the TaHsfA2-11 overexpressing lines showed increased survival rate, chlorophyll content, POD (Peroxidase) activity, SOD (Superoxide dismutase) activity and photosynthetic rate, and decreased relative electrolyte leakage and MDA (malondialdehyde) content compared with Fielder. The results of RNA-sequence data demonstrated that TaHsfA2-11 can regulate many heat response genes, such as Hsp genes TaHsp16.6 and TaHsp21, ER (Endo-plasmic reticulum) stress genes TaBiP2 and TaERDJ3A, photoprotectant for PSII gene TaELIPHV58, flavone biosynthesis related genes TaUGT-2A and TaPMaT, etc after heat stress. These results showed that TaHsfA2-11 can impove thermotolerance perhaps through effecting signal pathway of heat, ER stress, photosynthesis and ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). The findings will provide useful gene resource for performing genetic modification of wheat thermotolerance in heat-resistant breeding.