The unfolded protein response induced by salt stress in Arabidopsis

Salt stress has a major impact on plant growth and crop production, pointing to the importance of understanding the mechanism of salt tolerance in plants. Disruption of the protein-folding capacity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induces the accumulation of unfolded protein and ER stress, which activates an "unfolded protein response" (UPR). Although reports show that salt stress leads to UPR in various organisms, including plants, it remains to be determined how salt stress induces UPR. Zinc deficiency also induces UPR in a wide range of organisms. Here we provide a detailed description of the role of zinc in initiating UPR in the plant response to salt stress along with details of the methodology required for its investigation.