Biotech Updates

Scientists Reveal the Role of SlJAZ2 in Tomato

January 24, 2018

JAZ (Jasmonate ZIM-domain) proteins are important repressors in jasmonic acid signaling pathway. JAZ proteins are also known to take part in various development processes and in resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in Arabiodopsis. However, the study of JAZs in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is rare, especially on its role in plant growth and development.

The research team of Xiaohui Yu of Chongqing University in China isolated a typical tomato JAZ gene, SlJAZ2. Transgenic tomato plants overexpressing SlJAZ2 exhibited faster leaf initiation, reduced plant height and internode length. They also observed less trichomes, earlier lateral bud emergence and advanced flowering.

Further analysis showed that the genes related to cell elongation and gibberellin synthesis were downregulated, as well as the genes controlling trichome formation. The flower initiation in transgenic plants was earlier as a result of the upregulation of genes controlling flowering time after SlJAZ2 was overexpressed.

This research demonstrates that SlJAZ2 gene is involved in accelerating the plant's transition from vegetative stage to reproductive stage.

For more on this study, read the article in Plant Science.