bZIP genes are known to play a role in high pH stress response but are less
studied in alkaline than in high-salt stress conditions. Thus, researcher
Mingzhe Sun from Northeast Agricultural University and colleagues determined
the mechanism of GsbZIP67 from wild soybean in alfalfa through genetc
transformation.



They first investigated the expression of the gene in wild soybean,
Arabidopsis protoplasts, and yeast, exploring on the differential expression
in different parts of the plant using RNA expression data. Using pCAMBIA
transformation vector, the researchers overexpressed the gene in alfalfa and
subjected plant transformants to alkaline stress. Results showed long shoots
and roots under alkaline stress. Many genes involved in stress response are
also highly expressed. These results serve as proof that bZIP genes are
involved in plant stress tolerance.

[bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com]