Abstract
Heat shock proteins, HSP70, are vital for plant stress response mechanisms, particularly under abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought. However, its role in Beta vulgaris is still unknown. We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the BvHSP70 gene family in B. vulgaris roots to elucidate their diverse functions, regulatory mechanisms, and roles in abiotic stress adaptation. We identified 22 BvHSP70 genes, characterized by conserved motifs and cis elements associated with stress response in the gene promoters. miRNA interactions suggest regulatory roles, while gene duplication and syntenic analysis were utilized to reveal evolutionary trends with insights into gene expansion and conservation across species. These findings indicate the involvement of BvHSP70 genes in stress adaptation and broader biological processes. Key regulatory miRNAs were identified in two BvHSP70 genes. Expression analysis under salt stress indicated significant upregulation of BvHSP70-2 gene, BvHSP70-15 gene, and BvHSP70-17 gene after 1 day, whereas BvHSP70-18 showed notable upregulation after 7 days. Under drought stress, BvHSP70-4, BvHSP70-13, and BvHSP70-14 were significantly downregulated, whereas BvHSP70-17 and BvHSP70-20 were significantly upregulated. These findings demonstrate the critical function of the BvHSP70 family in B. vulgaris stress adaptation. Understanding the functional and regulatory mechanisms of BvHSP70 can facilitate the development of strategies to enhance stress tolerance in B. vulgaris and other crops, thereby contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security.