Gene. 2021 Mar 22:145597. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145597. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
We hereby report in planta function characterization of a novel galactosyl transferase-like (SbGalT) gene from Salicornia brachiata for enhanced abiotic stress tolerance. The SbGalT gene had an open reading frame of 1563 bp. The ectopic expression of SbGalT gene in tobacco improved the seed germination, seedling growth, biomass accumulation and potassium/sodium ratio under salt and osmotic stress. The SbGalT over-expression delayed stress-induced senescence, pigment breakdown and ionic cytotoxicity in tobacco. Higher contents of organic solutes and potassium under stress maintained the osmotic homeostasis and relative water content in tobacco. Higher activity of antioxidant enzymes under stress in transgenic tobacco curtailed accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintained the membrane integrity. The chlorophyll a fluorescence transient indicated no influences of imposed strengths of stress on basal state of photosystem (PS) I in transgenic tobacco over-expressing the SbGalT gene. Due to better membrane integrity the transgenic tobacco exhibited improved photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2, transpiration, maximum quantum yield and operating efficiency of PSII, electron transport, photochemical and non-photochemical quenching. In agreement with photosynthesis, physiological health, tolerance index and growth data, transgenic tobacco accumulated higher contents of sugar, starch, amino acid, polyphenol and proline under stress conditions. The multivariate data analysis exhibited significant statistical distinctions among osmotic adjustment, physiological health and growth, and photosynthetic responses in control and SbGalT transgenic tobacco under stress conditions. The results strongly indicated novel SbGalT gene as a potential candidate for developing smart agriculture.
PMID:33766708 | DOI:10.1016/j.gene.2021.145597
