Genome-wide characterization of trihelix genes reveals Cqtrihelix23 enhances the salt tolerance in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

Soil salinity poses an escalating threat to global environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and food safety. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), recognized as a halophyte, has emerged as a promising crop due to its high nutritional value and stress resistance. Nevertheless, the current understanding of salt tolerance genes in quinoa remains incomplete. This comprehensive study aimed to identify the quinoa trihelix family and families associated with salt stress, including Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX) and calcineurin B-like (CBL). Through expression analysis, Cqtrihelix23 was identified as responsive to salt stress. Subsequent transient transformation experiments revealed that Cqtrihelix23 enhanced quinoa's tolerance to salt stress by promoting root development, maintaining the antioxidant system, and reducing the Na+/K+ ratio. Additionally, it was discovered that Cqtrihelix23 upregulated the expression of CqCBL10 and CqNHX4. Further protein interaction experiments confirmed the interaction between Cqtrihelix23, CqCBL10, and CqNHX4. Notably, CqCBL10 and CqNHX4 also contributed to salt stress resistance, and in combination with Cqtrihelix23, they synergistically enhanced salt stress tolerance. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of Cqtrihelix23, CqCBL10, and CqNHX4 as key contributors within the regulatory network associated with quinoa's salt tolerance. These findings lay a solid groundwork for the development of salt-tolerant quinoa varieties.