ZxNHX1 from a xerophyte outperforms AtNHX1 in sequestering Na⁺ into vacuoles to enhance plant stress resistance and yield.

ABSTRACT: Uncovering the mechanisms underlying stress-resistant traits in xerophytes thriving in harsh environments can aid the genetic improvement of crops. The xerophyte Zygophyllum xanthoxylum features high Na⁺ accumulation in leaves, mediated by the vacuolar antiporter ZxNHX1. Co-expression of ZxNHX1 and vacuolar H⁺-PPase gene ZxVP1-1 has been demonstrated to enhance the stress resistance and biomass of alfalfa. However, it remains unknown if ZxNHX1 outperforms its homologues from the Na⁺-excluding and stress-sensitive glycophytes such as Arabidopsis in enhancing plant stress resistance and yield. Here, we found that expression of ZxNHX1 conferred superior growth under salt stress in alfalfa, compared to the Arabidopsis homologue AtNHX1. When expressed in yeast,

SUBMITTER: Liu HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12392959 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature