Trehalose Metabolism-related Enzymes and a Novel SNF1-related Protein Kinase in Miniature Tomato Cultivar Micro-Tom (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(Papers presented at the Seminar, "Function and structure of thermo/moisture sensors in biosystem")

Abstract

Environmental stresses - low temperature, drought and salinity in particular - are major factors limiting the growth and production of crops. The development and improvement of stress tolerance of crops are primary targets for plant molecular and genetic breeding. Recent genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that protein phosphorylation plays an essential role in induction of stress tolerance-related genes in higher plant. Here, we focused on functions of trehalose synthesis pathway and a SNF1-related protein kinase (SnRK) of tomato under various stresses. This article briefly describes expression of trehalose metabolism-related genes and a novel stress-activated SnRK homolog, LeSRK2C, of tomato involved in low-temperature signal and chilling tolerance. Application of genetic engineering of stress-activated kinase and trehalose synthesis-related genes for breeding low-temperature tolerant tomato are discussed.