Legume Research

Web of Science
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 48
  • Issue: 2

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of MsDUF from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

  • Author:
  • Bo Han1,2, Xinhui Duan1, Hua Jiang1, Yan Zhao3, Yafang Wang2, Tianming Hu2, Peizhi Yang2,*
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Page Number: 246 to 253

1Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agriculture University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P.R. China

2College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China

3College of Landscape and Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, P.R. China

Abstract

As a high-quality legume forage, Medicago sativa is restricted by various abiotic stresses during its growth and development. Proteins with domains of unknown function (DUF) are reportedly involved in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. However, the biological functions of DUF-containing proteins in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) related to environmental stress remain poorly understood.

We reported previously a novel stress-responsive gene, MsDUF, from alfalfa that was up-regulated under drought stress. In this study, MsDUF, a 210 amino acid protein containing a DUF4228 domain, was identified in alfalfa. Furthermore, MsDUFoverexpressing tobacco plants were constructed to explore the functions of MsDUF in plant resistance to abiotic stress.

Compared with wild-type tobacco, relative water content, osmoregulator (proline and soluble sugars) content and superoxide dismutase activity were elevated and malondialdehyde content was decreased in leaves of MsDUF-overexpressing plants under drought and salt stress (p<0.05). The results indicate that MsDUF plays a vital role in responses to drought and salt stress in tobacco. Thus, this protein could be used to improve drought and salt resistance of tobacco and other crops.

Keywords

Drought stress, DUF protein, MsDUF, Salt stress, Stress tolerance, Tobacco