Overexpression of WXP1, a putative Medicago truncatula AP2 domain‐containing transcription factor gene, increases cuticular wax accumulation and enhances drought tolerance in transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2005.02405.x
• Publication Date: 2005-05-26T18:21:03Z
• Authors: Ji‐Yi Zhang; Corey D. Broeckling; Elison B. Blancaflor; Mary K. Sledge; Lloyd W. Sumner; Zeng‐Yu Wang
• Keywords: Medicago truncatula; Medicago; Epicuticular wax; Medicago sativa; Lotus japonicus

Summary The identification of leaf wax genes involved in stress tolerance is expected to have great potential for crop improvement. Here we report the characterization a novel AP2 domain‐containing putative transcription factor gene from model legume Medicago truncatula. gene, designated WXP1 , able activate w x p roduction and confer drought alfalfa ( sativa ), most important forage species world close relative M. truncatula . predicted protein has 371 aa; it one longest peptides all single domain proteins distinctly different studied AP2/ERF family such as AP2s CBF / DREB1s DREB2s WIN1 SHN1 GL15 Transcript level inducible by cold, abscisic acid treatment mainly shoot tissues Overexpression under control CaMV35S promoter led significant increase cuticular loading on leaves transgenic alfalfa. Scanning electron microscopy revealed earlier accumulation crystals adaxial surface newly expanded higher densities crystalline structures both abaxial surfaces mature leaves. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis that total per area increased 29.6–37.7% lines, was contributed C30 primary alcohol. overexpression induced number wax‐related genes. Transgenic showed reduced water loss chlorophyll leaching. plants with waxes enhanced demonstrated delayed wilting after watering ceased quicker better recovery when dehydrated were re‐watered.