Genome-Wide Characterization of the PLATZ Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Expression Profiling Under Abiotic Stress

Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding proteins (PLATZs) act as critical modulators of plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stressors. Nevertheless, the PLATZ gene family (StPLATZs) has not yet been systematically characterized in potato, and this study seeks to identify members and prioritize genes associated with abiotic stress. A total of 13 StPLATZ genes were identified in the potato genome and classified into three distinct subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. Expression profiling and qRT-PCR analysis indicated that several StPLATZ genes responded to abiotic stress treatments. Yeast-based functional analysis suggested that Soltu06G018660 improved tolerance to PEG-induced osmotic stress, indicating its potential involvement in osmotic stress responses. These results provide candidate genes and hypotheses for future functional validation in potato. Further in-depth research on StPLATZs may contribute to potato stress-tolerance breeding.