Overexpression of MsDREB6.2 results in cytokinin‐deficient developmental phenotypes and enhances drought tolerance in transgenic apple plants

Abstract

Dehydration-responsive element binding factors (DREBs) play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress signaling pathways in model plants. However, little is known about the function of DREBs in apple (Malus × domestica), a widely cultivated crop that is frequently threatened by drought. We isolated a DREB gene from Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) Roem., MsDREB6.2, and investigated its functions using overexpression analysis and chimeric repressor gene-silencing technology (CRES-T). We identified possible target genes of the protein encoded by MsDREB6.2 using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Overexpression of MsDREB6.2 increased the expression of a key cytokinin (CK) catabolism gene, MdCKX4a, which led to a significant reduction in endogenous CK levels, and caused a decrease in shoot:root ratio in transgenic apple plants. Overexpression of MsDREB6.2 resulted in a decrease in stomatal aperture and density and an increase in root hydraulic conductance (L ), and thereby enhanced drought tolerance in transgenic plants. Furthermore, manipulating the level of MsDREB6.2 expression altered the expression of two aquaporin (AQP) genes. The effect of the two AQP genes on L was further characterized using the AQP inhibitor HgCl . Based on these observations, we conclude that MsDREB6.2 enhances drought tolerance and that its function may be due, at least in part, to its influence on stomatal opening, root growth, and AQP expression. These results may have applications in apple rootstock breeding programs aimed at developing drought-resistant apple varieties.

Cytokinin at the Crossroads of Abiotic Stress Signalling Pathways

“…This could protect their cells from excessive stress-induced ROS accumulation, thereby preserving chloroplast integrity [100,108,109] and reducing electrolyte leakage and/or rises in malondialdehyde levels [57,89,110]. On the other hand, ectopic expression of CKX in barley has been found to activate genes putatively involved in flavonoid biosynthesis [105] and flavonoids also participate in drought tolerance [111].…”

“…This could be due to better root systems, since cytokinin is a known negative regulator of root growth and lateral root formation [106,110]. The improved water uptake in these plants is clearly complemented with reductions in transpiration rates and stomatal apertures, which could protect them from severe water losses during stress periods [57,105,110].…”

“…This could be due to better root systems, since cytokinin is a known negative regulator of root growth and lateral root formation [106,110]. The improved water uptake in these plants is clearly complemented with reductions in transpiration rates and stomatal apertures, which could protect them from severe water losses during stress periods [57,105,110]. Ectopic expression of ipt also reduces water losses in plants that are exposed to drought, even when they have higher transpiration rates and stomatal conductance, but the mechanisms that are involved are elusive [90,102].…”

“…Root-specific overexpression of CKX can also enhance root growth, nutrient uptake, and drought tolerance [106], as well as improving recovery after drought stress [116] without adverse effects on shoot growth. Similarly, one of the dehydration-responsive element binding factors in Malus (MdDREB6.2) activates the expression of MdCKX , mainly in roots, and overexpression of this factor can enhance drought tolerance [110]. Several studies indicate that not only quantitative features but also qualitative traits of root tissues could be important factors in cytokinin-regulated responses to water-limiting conditions, including the differentiation of vascular tissue [117] and lignification [116].…”

Over-expression of chrysanthemum CmDREB6 enhanced tolerance of chrysanthemum to heat stress

“…The expression of MsDREB6.2 from Malus sieversii Roem is strongly induced by drought and salinity stress, and is expressed at high levels in roots. Overexpression of MsDREB6.2 resulted in cytokinin-deficient developmental phenotypes by enhancing MdCKX4 a expression and enhanced drought tolerance in transgenic apple plants [15]. These data indicate that DREB transcription factors could be used to improve the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress, and different DREB transcription factors have different members and species specificity [16].…”