Gm1-MMP Enhances Tolerance to High Temperature and Humidity in Arabidopsis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases. Gm1-MMP from soybean (Glycine max) was found to play an important role in tissue remodeling during leaf expansion. Nanjing Agricultural University researchers led by Sushuang Liu, isolated and characterized the Gm1-MMP gene.

Analysis revealed that the gene encodes a plasma membrane protein, Gm1-MMP. The Gm1-MMP gene also showed higher expression levels in mature and old leaves, pods, and mature seeds. It was also found to be involved in the development of soybean seeds. Further analysis also showed that the gene is involved in response to high temperature and humidity (HTH) stress in leaves and seeds in soybean.

The overexpression of Gm1-MMP gene in Arabidopsis enhanced the leaf and seed tolerance to HTH stress and improved seed vitality. The levels of hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds were also lower than in wild-type seeds under HTH stress.

These results indicate that Gm1-MMP plays an important role in the growth and development of leaves and seeds as well as tolerance to HTH stress.

For more information, read the article in Plant Science.