Abstract
The AP2/ERF-type transcription factor DREB2A specifically interacts with the DRE/CRT cis-acting element and controls the expression of many abiotic stress-inducible genes in Arabidopsis. DREB2A has a negative regulatory domain (NRD) and transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing DREB2A deleted of NRD shows improved abiotic stress tolerance. Soybean is a globally important crop and genetically modified varieties are largely produced. To develop abiotic-stress tolerant transgenics, we are analyzing functions of DREB2-type transcription factors in soybean.
Previously, we identified GmDREB2A;2 as one of eighteen DREB2-type transcription factors in soybean. GmDREB2A;2 was strongly induced by drought and heat stresses and exhibited high transactivation activity. Overexpression of GmDREB2A;2 in Arabidopsis enhanced expression of genes related to heat-stress response and improved heat stress tolerance. We will report existence of an NRD-like sequence in GmDREB2A;2 and enhanced transactivation activity of GmDREB2A;2 deleted of this sequence in soybean stem protoplasts. At present we are analyzing phenotypes of transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing GmDREB2A deleted of the NRD-like sequence.
