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MdSPL1-MdNF-YB4-MdCKX7 Module Positively Regulates Saline-Alkali Tolerance by Mediating Cytokinin Levels in Apple
Xumei Jia1,2, Wenqing Liu1, Shuo Xu2
1College of Horticulture, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Apple plants
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Abiotic Stress Response
Background:
- Saline-alkali stress severely impacts plant growth, yield, and quality.
- Cytokinin is crucial for plant stress response, but its role in apple (Malus domestica) under saline-alkali conditions is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of saline-alkali tolerance in apple.
- To identify key genes and regulatory pathways involved in cytokinin-mediated stress response.
Main Methods:
- Gene identification and characterization of CYTOKININ OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE7 (MdCKX7).
- Molecular genetic assays including gene silencing, overexpression, and protein interaction studies.
- Physiological assessments of plant tolerance, stomatal function, and photosynthetic efficiency.
Main Results:
- MdCKX7 acts as a positive regulator of saline-alkali tolerance by degrading cytokinin.
- The transcription factor MdSPL1 directly activates MdCKX7 expression, enhancing tolerance.
- MdNF-YB4 interacts with MdSPL1, facilitating MdCKX7 activation and improving stress response.
Conclusions:
- A novel regulatory module (MdSPL1-MdNF-YB4-MdCKX7) orchestrates cytokinin-mediated saline-alkali tolerance in apple.
- This pathway offers potential targets for breeding saline-alkali-tolerant apple varieties.
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