The calcineurin B-like protein (CBL)-interacting protein kinase (CIPK)
signaling pathway responds to various abiotic stresses in plants. The
research team of Xiao-Yu Cui and Yong-Tao Du from the Chinese Academy of
Agricultural Sciences studied the CIPK23 gene from wheat (Triticum
aestivum).



The wheat CIPK23 was found to be induced by multiple abiotic stresses
including drought, salt, and abscisic acid (ABA). The
TaCIPK23-overexpression wheat and Arabidopsis lines showed higher survival
rates under drought conditions as well as enhanced germination rates,
developed root system, and reduced water loss rate.



Analysis revealed that overexpression of TaCIPK23 made transgenic plants ABA
sensitive, as evidenced by the delayed seed germination and the induction of
stomatal closure. Consistent with the ABA-sensitive phenotype, the
expression level of drought- and ABA-responsive genes were also increased
under drought conditions in the transgenic plants.



These results suggest that TaCIPK23 plays vital roles in ABA and drought
stress responses in wheat.



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