CkDREB gene in Caragana korshinskii is involved in the regulation of stress response to multiple abiotic stresses as an AP2/EREBP transcription factor

Mol Biol Rep. 2011 Apr;38(4):2801-11. doi: 10.1007/s11033-010-0425-3. Epub 2010 Dec 2.

Abstract

Using RACE method, a DREB-like gene-CkDREB, which contains a conserved AP2/ERF domain, was isolated from Caragana korshinskii. Full length of CkDREB cDNA was 1743 bp, including an ORF of 1038 bp and encoding a polypeptide of 345 amino acids. CkDREB protein shared high identification with other homologs from other plants. The KR-rich motif at the N-terminal region played an essential role in nuclear localization of CkDREB. Yeast one-hybrid experiments testified that CkDREB possess specific DRE element-binding activity and transcriptional activation. A variety of abiotic stress, including high salt, dehydration, low temperature all significantly induced the expression of CkDREB gene. Exogenous phytohormone ABA also slightly up-regulated the mRNA accumulation of CkDREB. Overexpression of CkDREB in transgenic tobacco plants resulted in enhanced tolerance to high salinity and osmotic stresses and induction of downstream target genes under normal conditions. These results suggested that CkDREB may play an essential role as a DREB transcription factor in regulation of stress-responsive signaling in C. korshinskii.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caragana / genetics*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / physiology*
  • Nicotiana
  • Open Reading Frames / genetics
  • Osmotic Pressure / physiology
  • Plant Growth Regulators / pharmacology
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Salinity
  • Stress, Physiological / genetics*
  • Stress, Physiological / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • Transcription Factors