Tamarisk miRNA target genes TcSPL5 and TcNAC1 mediate the post-transcriptional responses of salt stress.
- 2026-03
- Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology 364
- Yang Zheng
- Junwen Wang
- Meng Xu
- Mu Cao
- Shaoyan Jiang
- Jianwen Wang
- Li-An Xu
- PubMed: 41319755
- DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112915
Study Design
- Methods
- Identification of salt-responsive miRNAs and a phase siRNA locus in T. chinensis roots; expression profiling combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays; Arabidopsis overexpression of miRNA-resistant forms
Tamarix chinensis, a pioneer species on saline-alkali soils, provides an excellent model for studying crop salt tolerance. Here we identified 22 salt-responsive miRNAs and one phase siRNA locus in T. chinensis roots exposed to NaCl. Expression profiling combined with the dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed a negatively correlated regulatory module, miR164-TcNAC1, which, alongside the previously reported miR156-TcSPL5 module, likely contributes to post-transcriptional responses during salt stress. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing miRNA-resistant forms of TcNAC1 and TcSPL5 exhibited markedly increased salt sensitivity: seed germination, root growth and leaf development were significantly impaired under salt treatment and were associated with elevated lipid peroxidation. Collectively, our results identify tamarisk miRNA-targeted regulators involved in salt tolerance and advance understanding of post-transcriptional control mechanisms under saline stress, with potential implications for improving crop salt tolerance.
Research Insights
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