The present study investigated the significance of serine biosynthetic genes for salt stress in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). We isolated a total of four genes, two each encoding D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (BvPGDHa and BvPGDHb) and serine hydroxymethyl transferase (BvSHMTa and BvSHMTb). mRNA transcriptional expression for BvPGDHa was significantly enhanced under salt stress conditions in both leaves and roots of sugar beet, whereas it was reduced for BvPGDHb. On the other hand, BvSHMTa was expressed transiently in leaves and roots under salt stress, whereas expression level of BvSHMTb was not altered. PGDH activity was high in storage root. After salt stress, PGDH activity was increased in leaf, petiole, and root. Recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. The K m values for 3-phosphoglycerate in PGDHa and PGDHb were 1.38 and 2.92 mM, respectively. The findings suggest that BvPGDHa and BvSHMTa play an important role during salt stress in sugar beet.
Keywords: 3-Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase; Betaine; Choline; Salt stress; Serine; Serine hydroxymethyl transferase; Sugar beet.