Ectopic expression of a banana CCCH-zinc finger protein enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis

Mazumdar, Purabi and Loo, Wan Teng and Wong, Gwo Rong and Chua, Kah-Ooi and Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann (2023) Ectopic expression of a banana CCCH-zinc finger protein enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Journal of Plant Biology, 66 (6). pp. 551-566. ISSN 1226-9239, DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s12374-023-09406-4.

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Abstract

Soil salinisation is a significant challenge to banana production worldwide. Studying candidate salt stress response genes can help to elucidate plant salt-tolerant mechanisms and develop stress-tolerant varieties. In this study, the Musa acuminata Zinc finger15 (MaZFP15) gene, which belongs to the CCCH zinc finger transcription factor family from banana, was introduced into Arabidopsis using the CaMV35S promoter. The transgenic lines expressing MaZFP15 showed increased root branching under salt stress with higher chlorophyll pigment content, lower water loss rates and electrolytic leakage with greater relative water content and increased anti-oxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POD, APX and GR) compared to control lines (with empty vector) and wild type plants. Analyses of malondialdehyde, the final product of lipid peroxidation, indicated less cell membrane damage in the transgenic lines expressing MaZFP15, than in the control plants. The nuclear location of MaZFP and the elevated expression of abscisic acid-responsive element-binding factor 3 in the salt stress-exposed transgenic lines, support MaZFP15 effecting ABA signalling associated transcriptional regulation of plant stress responses. The responses include the activation of antioxidant enzyme systems and promotion of root growth, contributing to salt tolerance. MaZFP15 can be considered a candidate for molecular breeding of crop varieties that can endure high salt levels.

Item Type: Article
Funders: Universiti Malaya, Institut Pengurusan dan Pemantauan Penyelidikan, Universiti Malaya [Grant no. RU004-2019, RU004-2021, RU004B-2020, TU002G-2018]
Uncontrolled Keywords: Abiotic stress; Banana cv; Berangan; MaZFP15; Musa acuminata; Salinity; Transgenic; Zinc Finger protein
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Divisions: Faculty of Science > Institute of Biological Sciences
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2025 06:28
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2025 06:28
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/48696

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