Bioinformatics analysis of HSP70 gene family in the Blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii)

The HSP70 gene family in the Blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii) genome was identified and analyzed using a bioinformatics approach. First, using the HSP70 sequences of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and BLASTP and SMART tools, fifty HSP70 genes were identified in the blueberry genome and their structural and biophysical properties (such as molecular weight and isoelectric point) were investigated. The results showed that these genes have high structural and functional diversity and are present in different cellular organelles including the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplast, and endoplasmic reticulum, which indicates their multiple roles in response to environmental stresses such as heat, drought, salinity, and oxidative stress. Analysis of the regulatory elements of the genes' promoters showed that various motifs such as TC-rich repeats, LTR, and ABRE play a role in regulating gene expression under stress conditions. Also, the expression patterns of HSP70 genes change under the influence of environmental stresses and some genes show increased expression in response to stress. The phylogenetic tree of HSP70 genes shows a division into 14 groups and the presence of intraspecific duplications. Analysis of protein motifs also revealed the presence of conserved and functionally specific sequences that are involved in processes such as ATP binding and hydrolysis and stress response. These findings provide a basis for genetic modification and improvement of Blueberry resistance to environmental stresses.