Involvement of SlSOS2 in tomato salt tolerance

Bioengineered. 2012 Sep-Oct;3(5):298-302. doi: 10.4161/bioe.20796. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

Abstract

The Ca(2+)-dependent SOS pathway has emerged as a key mechanism in the homeostasis of Na(+) and K(+) under saline conditions. We recently identified and functionally characterized by complementation studies in yeast and Arabidopsis the gene encoding the calcineurin-interacting protein kinase of the SOS pathway in tomato, SlSOS2.(1) We also show evidences on the biotechnological potential of SlSOS2 conferring salt tolerance to transgenic tomato. The increased salinity tolerance of SlSOS2 overexpressing plants is associated with higher sodium content in stems and leaves. SlSOS2 overexpression upregulates the Na(+)/H(+) exchange at the plasma membrane (SlSOS1) and K(+), Na(+)/H(+) antiport at the endosomal and vacuolar compartments (LeNHX2 and LeNHX4). Therefore, SlSOS2 seems to be involved in tomato salinity tolerance through regulation of Na(+) extrusion from the root, active loading of Na(+) into the xylem and Na(+) and K(+) compartmentalization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Ion Transport
  • Plant Leaves / genetics
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Potassium / metabolism*
  • Salinity
  • Salt Tolerance*
  • Sodium / metabolism*
  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers / genetics
  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers / metabolism
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / genetics
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / metabolism
  • Solanum lycopersicum / genetics*
  • Solanum lycopersicum / metabolism
  • Vacuoles / metabolism
  • Xylem / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers
  • Sodium
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase
  • Potassium