TaZFP34 Gene Enhances Root-to-Shoot Ratio in Wheat
August 10, 2016| |
Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are plant-specific DNA-binding proteins containing a conserved QALGGH motif. Hongping Chang from Hunan University in China, together with colleagues from various institutions, investigated the function of abiotic stress-inducible and predominantly root-expressed wheat (Triticum aestivum) ZFP, TaZFP34.
Expression of TaZFP34 in roots was found to be upregulated by high salinity, dehydration, oxidative, and cold stresses. On the other hand, overexpression of TaZFP34 in wheat roots resulted in an increased root-to-shoot ratio, normally observed during plant adaptation to drying soil.
Expression of genes potentially involved in controlling root growth was also significantly altered in the roots of TaZFP34 overexpressing lines. Furthermore, transcript levels of gene homologues of negative regulators of root growth were significantly reduced while the expression of shoot growth-related genes was downregulated in the transgenic shoots.
The results of this study suggest that TaZFP34 is a transcriptional repressor and is involved in modulating the plant root-to-shoot ratio.
For more on the study, read the article in Plant Science.
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