AtHKT1 gene regulating K+ state in whole plant improves salt tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants. Issue 1 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Li; Liu, Yuhui; Feng, Shoujiang; Wang, Zhuoyu; Zhang, Jinwen; Zhang, Junlian; Wang, Di; Gan, Yantai
• Is Part Of: Scientific reports. Volume 8:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Natural history -- Research -- Periodicals; Biology -- Research -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 502.85
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34660-9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-2322

Abstract

Abstract The status of K+ is important for plant health. However, little is known about if high-affinity potassium transporter HKTs may help K+ retention under salt stress. Here, we determined the effect ofArabidopsis thaliana transporter gene (AtHKT1 ) on the K+ status, Na+ -induced toxicity, and salt tolerance in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). SixAtHKT1 transformed tobacco lines (T1, T2, … T6) were contrasted with a non-transgenic plantlet at the whole-plant and molecule levels.AtHKT1 gene was expressed in the xylems of stem, root and leaf vein in the transgenic tobacco, with the line T3 having highest expression. At Day 15, in the 200 mmol L−1 NaCl stress treatment, the transgenic plants remained a healthy K+ status, while the control plants decreased K+ content by 70% and Na+ contents in leaves and stems were 1.7 times that in the transgenic line. TheAtHKT1 expression enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT and POD, raised chlorophyll and soluble sugar contents and root activity, and decreased MDA and proline contents and electrolyte leakage destruction. The constitutive over-expression ofAtHKT1 that helps maintain a healthy K+ status while reducing Na+ toxicity may serve as a possible mechanism in maximizing productivity of tobacco under salt stress.