Research Progress in Salt-tolerant Genes Related to Physiological Response of Wheat to Salt Stress

doi:10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2024-1006

Abstract

Abstract:

Salt stress stands as one of the primary abiotic stresses severely endangering the growth and development of wheat. Salt tolerance in wheat represents a complex quantitative trait governed by multiple genes. These genes directly or indirectly engage in processes such as ion accumulation and exclusion, redox reactions, and the accumulation of specific osmoregulatory substances. Comprehending the current research landscape of salt-tolerant genes in wheat is conducive to the scientific and efficient breeding of salt-tolerant varieties. This article expounds on crop salt tolerance from four aspects: osmotic regulation, ion balance, ROS homeostasis, and hormone regulation mediated by salt-tolerant genes under salt stress. It summarizes the function of salt-tolerant genes in wheat’‍s adaptation to salt stress, laying the groundwork for investigating the intricate mechanisms of wheat salt tolerance. Therefore, employing modern molecular biology techniques to explore salt-tolerant gene resources and introduce them into wheat is an effective approach to obtain high-yield, high-quality, and salt-tolerant wheat varieties. Research on genes associated with salt-stress tolerance plays a crucial role in elucidating the molecular mechanisms and pathways for dealing with salt stress. It offers significant guidance for cultivating outstanding germplasm with salt-stress tolerance and developing salt-tolerant cultivation techniques for wheat.

Key words: wheat, salt-tolerant gene, permeation regulation, ion balance, ROS homeostasis, hormone regulation

WANG Wei-wei, ZHAO Zhen-jie, WANG Zhi, ZOU Jing-wei, LUO Zheng-hui, ZHANG Yu-jie, NIU Li-ya, YU Liang, YANG Xue-ju. Research Progress in Salt-tolerant Genes Related to Physiological Response of Wheat to Salt Stress[J]. Biotechnology Bulletin, 2025, 41(5): 14-22.

Figures/Tables 1

Fig. 1 Salt-tolerant genes associated with the physiological response of wheat under salt stressUnder salt stress conditions, the salt concentration in the vicinity of the root system escalates rapidly, thereby inducing osmotic stress and activating hypersensitive receptors in crops. This activation triggers calcium ion signals, which subsequently lead to a cascade of responses mediated by CDPK, CBLs, and CIPKs. Ca2+ binds to SOS3 and SOS2, facilitating the activation and phosphorylation of SOS1. The activated SOS1 is then capable of transporting Na+ into the xylem extracellular matrix or the soil. Multiple HKT transporters have been identified, with some of them being involved in Na+ selective transport (HKT-I), while others show Na+/K+ co-transport activity (HKT-Ⅱ). The key agronomic trait factor TaSRO1 in wheat under salt stress augments its capacity to scavenge ROS. The scavenging of ROS is accomplished through antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and POD, which can effectively eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species and mitigate oxidative stress. Vacuoles serve as an optimal site for Na+ sequestration, as they not only diminish cytoplasmic toxicity but also function as osmolytes, enhancing water absorption under salt stress. The NHX (Na+/H+ antiporter) family plays a crucial role in the translocation of Na+ into vacuoles. Hormones including ABA, ET, BR, and MT also possess regulatory functions in response to salt stress

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