The functions of plant-specific BURP domain-containing proteins (BDP) have
been determined for a few plants, however, their roles in most plant
species, including coffee (Coffea arabica), are unknown. Chonnam National
University researchers studied the function of a C. arabica BDP, CaBDP1,
using transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

Initial analysis revealed that expression of CaBDP1 in coffee was highly
modulated by drought, cold, and salt stresses, as well as abscisic acid
(ABA). CaBDP1 proteins were also revealed to be localized in the endoplasmic
reticulum.

Ectopic expression of CaBDP1 in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed germination
of the transgenic plants under abiotic stress and in the presence of ABA.
Cotyledon greening and seedling growth of the transgenic plants were also
inhibited in the presence of ABA due to the upregulation of ABA
signaling-related genes.

This study reveals that the coffee BDP gene plays an important role in the
response of transgenic Arabidopsis plants to abiotic stresses by regulating
various proteins. This study also highlights the potential role of BDPs in
improving plant responses to abiotic stresses.

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