Extreme environmental conditions like low water availability,
extremely high and low temperatures and high salinity restrict plant
productivity. During stress, plants produce numerous compounds to protect
themselves. One such compound is glycinebetaine (GB). It maintains protein
and membrane integrity during drought conditions by acting as an
osmoprotectant. GB is widespread in angiosperms (flowering plants), where
they contribute to salt tolerance by maintaining cell turgor pressure and
protecting the photosynthetic machineries.
Scientists from the Sichuan University in China identified the gene
JcBd1 that codes for betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (key enzyme in GB
biosynthesis) from the shrub Jatropha curcas, which is implicated in
adaptation to environmental stress. Jatropha has recently attracted
attention as its seeds are being used as a raw material for biodiesels. E.
coli strains functionally expressing JcBd1 show increased resistance to
abiotic stressors like increased salt concentration. JcBD1 might be a good
candidate for engineering the GB synthesis pathway in plants. This may pave
the way for the development of varieties tolerant to extreme environmental
conditions.

The paper published by the journal Plant Science is available at
[dx.doi.org]



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