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miR169y-PtrNFYA6-PtrNCED3a/3b/6 module cascade regulates ABA synthesis and poplar drought tolerance
Ruiqi Wang1, Yuting Wang1, Yanqi Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Heilongjiang, Harbin 150040, China.
Plant Physiology
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers identified a key molecular pathway involving miR169y and PtrNFYA6 that regulates drought tolerance in poplar trees. Modulating this pathway enhances plant resilience to drought stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Abiotic Stress Response
Background:
- Drought significantly limits tree growth and productivity.
- Understanding molecular mechanisms of drought response is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role and mechanism of miR169y in poplar drought response.
- To identify the target gene of miR169y and its function in drought tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis under drought and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment.
- Generation of stable transgenic poplar lines using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
- Identification of miR169y target gene (PtrNFYA6) and promoter analysis.
Main Results:
- miR169y is downregulated by drought and ABA; its suppression enhances drought tolerance.
- PtrNFYA6 is upregulated by drought and ABA; its overexpression improves drought tolerance traits.
- PtrNFYA6 activates ABA synthesis genes (PtrNCED3a/3b/6), enhancing drought resilience.
Conclusions:
- The miR169y-PtrNFYA6-PtrNCED3a/3b/6 cascade is a novel regulatory pathway for ABA production and drought tolerance in poplar.
- This pathway provides potential targets for breeding drought-resistant forest trees.
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