bZIP genes are known to play a role in high pH stress response but are less studied in alkaline than in high-salt stress conditions. Thus, researcher Mingzhe Sun from Northeast Agricultural University and colleagues determined the mechanism of GsbZIP67 from wild soybean in alfalfa through genetic transformation.

They first investigated the expression of the gene in wild soybean, Arabidopsis protoplasts, and yeast, exploring on the differential expression in different parts of the plant using RNA expression data. Using pCAMBIA transformation vector, the researchers overexpressed the gene in alfalfa and subjected plant transformants to alkaline stress. Results showed long shoots and roots under alkaline stress. Many genes involved in stress response are also highly expressed. These results serve as proof that bZIP genes are involved in plant stress tolerance.

For more information, read the article in BMC Plant Biology.