Whole-genome identification and expression analysis of K+ efflux antiporter (KEA) and Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX) families under abiotic stress in soybean

Sodium toxicity and potassium insufficient are important factors affecting the growth and development of soybean in saline soil. As the capacity of plants to maintain a high cytosolic, K+/Na+ ratio is the key determinant of tolerance under salt stress. The aims of the present study were to identify and analyse expression patterns of the soybean K+ efflux antiporter (KEA) gene and Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX) gene family, and to explore their roles under abiotic stress. As a result, 12 soybean GmKEAs genes and 10 soybean GmNHXs genes were identified and analyzed from soybean genome. Interestingly, the novel soybean KEA gene Glyma16g32821 which encodes 11 transmembrane domains were extremely up-regulated and remained high level until 48 h in root after the excessive potassium treatment and lack of potassium treatment, respectively. The novel soybean NHX gene Glyma09g02130 which encodes 10 transmembrane domains were extremely up-regulated and remained high level until 48 h in root with NaCl stress. Imaging of subcellular locations of the two new Glyma16g32821-GFP and Glyma09g02130-GFP fusion proteins indicated all plasma membrane localizations of the two novel soybean genes. The 3D structures indicated that the two soybean novel proteins Glyma09g02130 (NHX) and Glyma16g32821 (KEA) all belong to the cation/hydrogen antiporter family.