JAZ (Jasmonate ZIM-domain) proteins are important repressors in jasmonic
acid signaling pathway. JAZ proteins are also known to take part in various
development processes and in resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in
Arabiodopsis. However, the study of JAZs in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is
rare, especially on its role in plant growth and development.



The research team of Xiaohui Yu of Chongqing University in China isolated a
typical tomato JAZ gene, SlJAZ2. Transgenic tomato plants overexpressing
SlJAZ2 exhibited faster leaf initiation, reduced plant height and internode
length. They also observed less trichomes, earlier lateral bud emergence and
advanced flowering.



Further analysis showed that the genes related to cell elongation and
gibberellin synthesis were downregulated, as well as the genes controlling
trichome formation. The flower initiation in transgenic plants was earlier
as a result of the upregulation of genes controlling flowering time after
SlJAZ2 was overexpressed.



This research demonstrates that SlJAZ2 gene is involved in accelerating the
plant's transition from vegetative stage to reproductive stage.



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