title: Heterologous expression of a novel Zoysia japonica salt-induced glycine-rich RNA-binding protein gene, ZjGRP, caused salt sensitivity in Arabidopsis.
abstract: A novel Zoysia japonica salt-induced glycine-rich RNA-binding protein gene was cloned in this study and its overexpression caused salt sensitivity in transgenic Arabidopsis. Glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (GRPs) play crucial roles in diverse plant developmental processes. However, the mechanisms and functions of GRPs in salinity stress responses remain largely unknown. In this study, rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) PCR methods was adopted to isolate ZjGRP from Zosyia japonica, a salt-tolerant grass species. ZjGRP cDNA was 456 bp in length, corresponding to 151 amino acids. ZjGRP was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and was found particularly abundantly in stomatal guard cells. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that ZjGRP was expressed in the roots, stems, and leaves of Zoysia japonica, with the greatest expression seen in the fast-growing leaves. Furthermore, expression of ZjGRP was strongly induced by treatment with NaCl, ABA, MeJA, and SA. Overexpression of ZjGRP in Arabidopsis reduced the rate of germination and retarded seedling growth. ZjGRP-overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited weakened salinity tolerance, likely as a result of effects on ion transportation, osmosis, and antioxidation. This study indicates that ZjGRP plays an essential role in inducing salt sensitivity in transgenic plants.
authors: Turfgrass Research Institute, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
authors: Ke
authors: K
authors: Teng
authors: Turfgrass Research Institute, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
authors: Penghui
authors: P
authors: Tan
authors: The College of Horticulture and Garden, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.
authors: Guozeng
authors: G
authors: Xiao
authors: Turfgrass Research Institute, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
authors: Liebao
authors: L
authors: Han
authors: Turfgrass Research Institute, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. changzh@bjfu.edu.cn.
authors: Zhihui
authors: Z
authors: Chang
authors: Turfgrass Research Institute, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. chaoyuehui@163.com.
authors: Yuehui
authors: Y
authors: Chao
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D019295:Computational Biology; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000187:drug effects; D017343:Genes, Plant; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D054046:Plant Stomata / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D006109:Poaceae / Q000235:genetics*; D011392:Proline / Q000378:metabolism; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D036226:Seedlings / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010940:Plant Proteins; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; C100791:glycine-rich RNA-binding protein, plant; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D011392:Proline
keywords: GRPs; Gene expression; Salinity stress; Transgenic Arabidopsis; Zoysia japonica