Ferric reduction oxidase in Lilium pumilum affects plant saline-alkaline tolerance by regulating ROS homeostasis

Abstract

Ferric reduction oxidase (FRO) plays important roles in biotic and abiotic stress. However, the function of ferric reduction oxidase from Lilium pumilum in response to NaHCO₃ is unknown. Here we report the functional characterization of ferric reduction oxidase 7 in Lilium pumilum (LpFRO7) in stresses. Under NaHCO₃ stress, the LpFRO7 overexpression lines exhibited lower accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), higher activities in antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD and POD) and ferrite reductase, resulting in improved tolerance compared to the wild type (WT). In order to determine the functional network of LpFRO7, it was confirmed by EMSA assays, Yeast one-hybrid assays and Dual luciferase reporter assays that LpbHLH115 transcription factor can bind to the promoter of LpFRO7. Yeast two-hybrid assays, BiFC, and LCI assays were performed to prove that LpFRO7 can interact with LpTrx. Combining these findings, we concluded that LpFRO7 affects plant saline-alkaline tolerance by regulating ROS homeostasis.

Keywords: Ferric reduction oxidase; Lilium pumilum; NaHCO(3) stress; ROS; Thioredoxin; bHLH115 transcription factors.