The sorghum SbMPK3-SbNAC074 module involved in salt tolerance.

Wang H, Wei L, Yu F, Zeng T, Gu L, Zhu B, Du X

Published: 1 May 2025 in Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB
Keywords: Phosphorylate, Salt stress, SbMPK3, SbNAC074, Sorghum
Pubmed ID: 40327899
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109981

Plant NAC transcription factors (TFs) are essential genes that modulate plant responses to abiotic stress. In this study, we identified a novel NAC TF, SbNAC074, in sorghum, which exhibits a response to salt stress. Overexpression of SbNAC074 in tobacco significantly enhanced the salt tolerance of transgenic plants. Measurements of stress-related physiological indicators revealed that the overexpression of SbNAC074 led to a reduction in the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while simultaneously increasing the activities of key enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, we identified SbMPK3, the interacting protein of SbNAC074, and established that SbMPK3 can phosphorylate SbNAC074. Consequently, this study elucidates the function of SbNAC074 and identifies the SbMPK3-SbNAC074 regulatory pathway, thereby providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying salt stress responses in sorghum.

Guizhou Science and Technology Innovation Team Project CXTD 2025-055
National Natural Science Foundation of China 32260506