CBL-Interacting Protein Kinases 18 (CIPK18) Gene Positively Regulates Drought Resistance in Potato

Abstract

Sensor—responder complexes comprising calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) are plant-specific Ca2+ receptors, and the CBL-CIPK module is widely involved in plant growth and development and a large number of abiotic stress response signaling pathways. In this study, the potato cv. “Atlantic” was subjected to a water deficiency treatment and the expression of StCIPK18 gene was detected by qRT-PCR. The subcellular localization of StCIPK18 protein was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The StCIPK18 interacting protein was identified and verified by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). StCIPK18 overexpression and StCIPK18 knockout plants were constructed. The phenotypic changes under drought stress were indicated by water loss rate, relative water content, MDA and proline contents, and CAT, SOD and POD activities. The results showed that StCIPK18 expression was upregulated under drought stress. StCIPK18 is localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Y2H shows the interaction between StCIPK18 and StCBL1, StCBL4, StCBL6 and StCBL8. BiFC further verifies the reliability of the interaction between StCIPK18 and StCBL4. Under drought stress, StCIPK18 overexpression decreased the water loss rate and MDA, and increased RWC, proline contents and CAT, SOD and POD activities; however, StCIPK18 knockout showed opposite results, compared with the wild type, in response to drought stress. The results can provide information for the molecular mechanism of the StCIPK18 regulating potato response to drought stress.

DNA-Binding with One Finger (Dof) Transcription Factor Gene Family Study Reveals Differential Stress-Responsive Transcription Factors in Contrasting Drought Tolerance Potato Species

“…When the water content of the soil in the pots had decreased to 35–40%, it was considered the first day of drought treatment. Samples were collected after a 5-day drought treatment, and three replicates (each containing 10 plants) were employed [ 46 , 57 ].…”

Molecular Mechanisms of CBL-CIPK Signaling Pathway in Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Hormone Crosstalk

“…Drought stress poses a threat to crop productivity and global food security. Yang et al [70] discovered that the potato StCIPK18 gene plays a crucial role in drought tolerance. Overexpression in potatoes improves drought tolerance through decreased water loss, higher relative water content, proline buildup, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.…”

“…Manipulating these components through genetic engineering and biotechnological strategies holds great potential for enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stresses. For instance, Yang et al [70] investigated the StCIPK18 gene in potato and demonstrated its crucial role in improving drought tolerance through transgenic approaches. Zhu et al [2] shed light on the roles of CBL and CIPK genes in quinoa's response to abiotic stresses, particularly drought, emphasizing the significance of specific CqCIPK and CqCBL genes.…”