<i>ZmEXPB7</i>, a β-expansin gene, contributes to drought tolerance in <i>Arabidopsis</i>.

ABSTRACT: Drought stress poses a significant threat to maize productivity, highlighting the need to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance. Previous studies identified ZmLBD33 as a regulator of drought stress responses that interacts with the cell wall-loosening gene ZmEXPB7. To elucidate the function of ZmEXPB7 in drought tolerance, we conducted heterologous expression studies in Arabidopsis. The results demonstrated that ZmEXPB7 expression was rapidly induced under PEG₆₀₀₀-simulated stress, reaching peak levels within 1 h. Overexpression of ZmEXPB7 in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced drought tolerance, improved root growth, and increased survival rates under osmotic and soil drought conditions. Transgenic plants exhibited reduced

SUBMITTER: Xiong J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12510680 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature