A pioneering study has uncovered the role of a key gene, PtrPAT1, in boosting cold tolerance in citrus plants by regulating the accumulation of glycine betaine (GB). This breakthrough deepens understanding of how plants cope with cold stress and opens the door to developing cold-resistant citrus varieties.
Citrus plants, traditionally cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates, are highly vulnerable to cold stress, which can drastically affect both yield and fruit quality. With climate change triggering more frequent and intense cold spells, the demand for citrus varieties that can withstand these conditions has never been more pressing. Although previous studies have pointed to the protective role of GB in plants under cold stress, the molecular pathways governing GB accumulation have remained unclear — until now. This research addresses that gap, offering new genetic insights to enhance citrus cold tolerance.
In a recent study published in Horticulture Research, an international team of scientists from Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine and Huazhong Agricultural University identified the PtrPAT1 gene in Poncirus trifoliata, a hardy citrus relative known for its cold resistance. Their findings reveal that PtrPAT1 plays a crucial role in cold tolerance by stimulating the biosynthesis of GB, providing a potential genetic tool to improve cold resistance in commercial citrus crops.
The research focused on the PtrPAT1 gene, which is highly responsive to cold stress. The team discovered that PtrPAT1 is localized in both the nucleus and plasma membrane, where it activates the PtrBADH-1gene, a key player in GB production. Through genetic modification, researchers showed that overexpressing PtrPAT1in transgenic tobacco plants increased GB accumulation, boosted antioxidant enzyme activity and enhanced cold tolerance. In contrast, silencing PtrPAT1resulted in lower GB levels and a marked increase in cold sensitivity. These findings position PtrPAT1 as a critical regulator of cold stress, paving the way for potential genetic engineering in citrus crops.
“This research marks a major breakthrough in understanding how citrus plants manage cold stress,” said Ji-Hong Liu, co-corresponding author of the study. “Identifying PtrPAT1 and its role in regulating GB biosynthesis opens new avenues for developing cold-resistant citrus varieties.”
The implications of this discovery extend far beyond citrus cultivation. The ability to harness PtrPAT1could lead to the creation of genetically modified citrus varieties with enhanced resilience to cold stress.
Source: Nanjing Agricultural University, The Academy of Science
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