Aldose reductase has a function in salt tolerance of wheat

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Aldose reductase (ALR) plays a role in plant responses to abiotic stresses.
• A specific ALR-related gene, TtALR1, was found to be upregulated in salt-tolerant Tritipyrum Y1805 under salt stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clone and characterize the TtALR1 gene from Tritipyrum Y1805.
• To investigate the function of TtALR1 in enhancing salt tolerance in common wheat.

Main Methods:

• Gene cloning and bioinformatics analysis of TtALR1.
• Genetic transformation of TtALR1 into common wheat (1718) via the coleoptile method.
• Quantitative real-time PCR for gene expression analysis.
• Physiological and biochemical assays to assess salt tolerance.

Main Results:

• TtALR1, a hydrophilic gene of the AKR4C family, was successfully cloned and phylogenetically grouped with related wheat ALRs.
• TtALR1 expression in roots was salt-stress sensitive.
• Overexpression of TtALR1 in wheat reduced wilting and yellowing under salt stress.
• TtALR1-overexpressing lines showed improved root length, biomass, water content, and key enzyme activities (ALR, SOD, CAT, POD).
• Elevated levels of sorbitol, proline, K+, and chlorophyll, alongside reduced methylglyoxal, MDA, Na+, and Na+/K+ ratio were observed in TtALR1 lines.

Conclusions:

• TtALR1 significantly contributes to enhanced salt tolerance in wheat.
• The gene functions in osmotic regulation, detoxification, and chlorophyll stabilization.
• TtALR1 is a promising target for developing salt-tolerant wheat varieties.