Functional analysis of HvSNAC1 in stomatal dynamics and drought adaptation

• DOI: 10.1007/s13353-025-00956-6
• Publication Date: 2025-03-18T07:41:31Z
• Authors: Marzena Kurowska; Agnieszka Janiak; Krzysztof Sitko; Izabela Potocka; Monika Gajecka; Ewa Sybilska; Tomasz Płociniczak; Sabina Lip; Magdalena Rynkiewicz; Klaudia Wiecha; Małgorzata Nawrot; Agata Daszkowska-...; Iwona Szarejko
• Keywords: Expansin; Drought Tolerance

Abstract Drought stress can damage crop growth and lead to a decline in yield, thereby affecting food security, especially regions vulnerable climate change. SNAC1 (stress-responsive NAC1), the NAC transcription factor family member, plays crucial role stomatal movement regulation. Effective regulation of is essential for protecting plants from water loss during adverse conditions. Our hypothesis revolves around altering HvSNAC1 activity by introducing point mutation its encoding gene, influencing dynamics barley. Two TILLING mutants, each harboring missense mutations domain, exhibited higher density after drought compared parent cultivar ‘Sebastian’. These mutants also demonstrated distinct patterns ABA-induced wild-type (WT). To delve deeper, we conducted comprehensive analysis transcriptomes these ‘Sebastian’ under both optimal watering conditions 10 days treatment. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WT control Furthermore, pinpointed DEGs specifically experiments revealed that cis -regulatory motif CACG, previously Arabidopsis rice, recognized vitro. Enrichment led identification cell wall organization category potential target genes, such as HvEXPA8 ( expansin 8 ), HvXTH xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase HvPAE9 pectin acetylesterase 9 suggesting their HvSNAC1. findings suggest may play regulating associated with density, size reopening.