Ectopic expression of a Musa acuminata root hair defective 3 (MaRHD3) in Arabidopsis enhances drought tolerance
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Genetic improvement is an important approach for crop improvement towards yield stability in stress-prone areas. Functional analysis of candidate stress response genes can provide key information to allow the selection and modification of improved crop varieties. In this study, the constitutive expression of a banana cDNA, MaRHD3 in Arabidopsis improved the ability of transgenic lines to adapt to drought conditions. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing MaRHD3 had roots with enhanced branching and more root hairs when challenged with drought stress. The MaRHD3 plants had higher biomass accumulation, higher relative water content, higher chlorophyll content and an increase in activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes; SOD, CAT, GR, POD and APX with reduced water loss rates compared to control plants. The analysis of oxidative damage indicated lower cell membrane damage in transgenic lines compared to control plants. These findings, together with data from higher expression of ABF-3 and higher ABA content of drought-stressed transgenic MaRHD3 expressing plants, support the involvement of the ABA signal pathway and ROS scavenging enzyme systems in MaRHD3 mediated drought tolerance.
Keywords
Abiotic stress, Banana, Osmotic stress, Ectopic expression, Reactive oxygen species, G protein
Divisions
InstituteofBiologicalSciences
Funders
University of Malaya, Malaysia Grant UMRG: RP005B-13BIO,CEBAR Research University grants RU006-2017 and RU015-2016
Publication Title
Journal of Plant Physiology
Volume
231
Publisher
Elsevier