Transcription factor MYB102 regulates plant growth and tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana

AtMYB102 negatively regulates the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana while positively modulating its tolerance to drought, salt, and freezing stresses. Abiotic stress, including from drought, salt, and extreme temperatures, poses a significant challenge to crop growth. Myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factors have been shown to significantly impact plant growth, development, and physiological metabolism. However, the role of MYB102 in the growth and abiotic stress response of Arabidopsis thaliana has not been thoroughly investigated. This study demonstrated that the loss-of-function mutant myb102 exhibited accelerated seed germination, a larger cotyledon area, and an earlier flowering time compared to the Arabidopsis wild-type Columbia-0 (Col-0), while the overexpression of AtMYB102 (MYB102-OE) led to delayed seed germination, a reduced cotyledon area, and later flowering. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of myb102 and MYB102-OE indicated that AtMYB102 was associated with growth, development, and oxidative stress response. The expression of AtMYB102 was upregulated by treatment with the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Further analysis showed that under drought, salt, and freezing stresses, the myb102 mutant displayed decreased survival rates and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to Col-0. In contrast, MYB102-OE plants showed higher survival rates and lower ROS levels under the same stress conditions. These results point toward a role for AtMYB102 in regulating plant growth, development, and tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses.