Expression of an osmotin-like protein from Solanum nigrumconfers drought tolerance in transgenic soybean

Abstract

BackgroundDrought is by far the most important environmental factor contributing to yield losses in crops, including soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. To address this problem, a gene that encodes an osmotin-like protein isolated from Solanum nigrum var. americanum (SnOLP) driven by the UBQ3 promoter from Arabidopsis thaliana was transferred into the soybean genome by particle bombardment.ResultsTwo independently transformed soybean lines expressing SnOLP were produced. Segregation analyses indicated single-locus insertions for both lines. qPCR analysis suggested a single insertion of SnOLP in the genomes of both transgenic lines, but one copy of the hpt gene was inserted in the first line and two in the second line. Transgenic plants exhibited no remarkable phenotypic alterations in the seven analyzed generations. When subjected to water deficit, transgenic plants performed better than the control ones. Leaf physiological measurements revealed that transgenic soybean plants maintained higher leaf water potential at predawn, higher net CO2 assimilation rate, higher stomatal conductance and higher transpiration rate than non-transgenic plants. Grain production and 100-grain weight were affected by water supply. Decrease in grain productivity and 100-grain weight were observed for both transgenic and non-transgenic plants under water deficit; however, it was more pronounced for non-transgenic plants. Moreover, transgenic lines showed significantly higher 100-grain weight than non-transgenic plants under water shortage.ConclusionsThis is the first report showing that expression of SnOLP in transgenic soybeans improved physiological responses and yield components of plants when subjected to water deficit, highlighting the potential of this gene for biotechnological applications.

Overexpression of a New Osmotin-Like Protein Gene (SindOLP) Confers Tolerance against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Sesame

“…Recently we have cloned and characterized a new OLP gene from Solanum nigrum ( SindOLP , BankIt 1588324 Solanum KC292261), which exhibited in-vitro antifungal activity against M. phaseolina (Chowdhury et al, 2015). As reported in previous studies, the synthesis and accumulation of OLPs depend on osmotic conditions, signifying its involvement in osmotic adaptations (Patade et al, 2013; Weber et al, 2014; Chowdhury et al, 2015). On the other hand a few reports have shown that osmotins and OLPs enhance tolerance to biotic stresses (Subramanyam et al, 2012; Vasavirama and Kirti, 2012; Choi et al, 2013), although the underlying biological mechanism remains unexplored.…”

Draft Assembly of Elite Inbred Line PH207 Provides Insights into Genomic and Transcriptome Diversity in Maize

“…In some cases, these endeavors have proven fruitful (Park et al, 2014;Weber et al, 2014). However, extensive genome content variation was observed between B73 and PH207 (3.4% of genes show genomic-level PAV).…”

Differential Impact of Acclimation and Acute Water Deprivation in the Expression of Key Transcription Factors in Soybean Roots

“…The most traditional experimental approach uses plants grown in pots with soil (pot-based systems (PSys)) combined with a specific routine of watering. This system attempts to reproduce field conditions but requires careful physiological monitoring (StolfMoreira et al 2010b;de Paiva Rolla et al 2014;Mayer Weber et al 2014). Alternatively, water deficit can be mimicked using plants that are cultivated in hydroponic systems (HSys) combined with an abrupt water privation by removing the plant from the nutrition solution (Cowan 1965).…”