Biotech Updates

IbMIPS1 Gene Enhances Salt and Drought Tolerance and Nematode Resistance in GM Sweet Potato

July 15, 2015

Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) is a key enzyme in myo-inositol synthesis. The MIPS gene has been shown to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses in several plant species. However, its role in resistance to biotic stresses has not been studied.

Qingchang Liu of the China Agricultural University found that expression of the sweet potato IbMIPS1 gene was induced by NaCl, polyethylene glycol (PEG), abscisic acid (ABA) and stem nematodes. IbMIPS1 overexpression significantly enhanced stem nematode resistance as well as salt and drought tolerance in transgenic sweet potato.

Analyses showed that overexpression of IbMIPS1 up-regulated the genes involved in inositol biosynthesis, phosphatidylinositol (PI) and ABA signalling pathways, stress responses, photosynthesis and ROS-scavenging system under stress. This study indicates that the IbMIPS1 gene has the potential to be used to improve the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.

For more information, read the article on Plant Biotechnology Journal.