A LysM domain-containing protein TaLysM1-A confers salinity and drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis

LysM domain-containing proteins are associated with stress response in plants. Herein, we found an upregulated expression of TaLysM1-A in the presence of salinity and drought stress in bread wheat, which indicates its role in stress response. TaLysM1-A-expressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants displayed significant tolerance with improved morpho-physio-biochemical parameters during salinity and drought stress conditions. The transgenic lines showed superior phenotypic traits, such as seedling growth, leaf and rosette area, overall plant growth and silique yield as compared to wild-type (WT). The reactive oxygen species (ROS), like H₂O₂ and superoxide radicals, and MDA contents were significantly reduced; whereas, ascorbic acid accumulation and activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were considerably improved in transgenic lines than in the WT plants during salinity and drought treatments. The results suggested reduced oxidative damage in TaLysM1-A-expressing transgenic plants. Additionally, the accumulation of proline, lignin, chlorophylls, carotenoids and RWC was increased in transgenic plants, which suggested improved osmoprotection, cell wall strength and photosynthesis under both the stress conditions. The study unveiled the role of TaLysM1-A in salinity and drought stress tolerance; however, the detailed mechanism needs to be explored in future studies.