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Ectopic AtCBF1 over-expression enhances freezing tolerance and induces cold acclimation-associated physiological
María-Teresa Pino1, Jeffrey S Skinner, Zoran Jeknić
1Department of Horticulture, ALS 4017, Oregon State University, Corvalis, OR 97331, USA, and Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA, Satntiago, Chile.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|January 10, 2008
Summary
Over-expressing the CBF1 gene in potato species enhanced freezing tolerance and mimicked cold acclimation responses. This suggests the CBF pathway is crucial for plant adaptation to cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cold acclimation is a vital process for plants to survive low temperatures.
- The CBF (C-repeat binding factor) pathway is known to play a role in cold stress response.
- Solanum species, including potato (S. tuberosum) and S. commersonii, exhibit varying frost tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ectopic AtCBF1 over-expression on physiological and structural changes during cold exposure in potato.
- To compare the responses between frost-sensitive S. tuberosum and frost-tolerant S. commersonii.
Main Methods:
- Ectopic over-expression of the AtCBF1 gene in S. tuberosum and S. commersonii.
- Analysis of COR gene expression, freezing tolerance, and physiological alterations (leaf morphology, proline and sugar content, chlorophyll and anthocyanin levels, stomatal number, photosynthetic capacity).
Main Results:
- Ectopic AtCBF1 over-expression induced COR genes and increased freezing tolerance by 2°C in S. tuberosum and 4°C in S. commersonii, without cold stimulus.
- Transgenic S. commersonii showed improved cold acclimation potential, while S. tuberosum did not.
- AtCBF1 activity mimicked cold-induced leaf thickening, increased proline and sugar content, and enhanced photosynthetic capacity in both species, particularly in S. commersonii.
Conclusions:
- The CBF pathway is integral to numerous structural, biochemical, and physiological adaptations observed during cold acclimation in Solanum species.
- Ectopic AtCBF1 expression can confer significant freezing tolerance and mimic key aspects of cold acclimation.
- S. commersonii exhibits a greater capacity for cold acclimation and response to CBF pathway activation compared to S. tuberosum.
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