Overexpression of Zinc finger (GpZF) promotes drought tolerance in grass pea ( Lathyrus sativus )

ABSTRACT The genes encoding Cys2/His2-type zinc finger proteins constitute a large family in higher plants consisting of a family of plant transcription factors. GpZF encodes a Cys2/His2-type zinc finger protein. The purposes of this study are to elucidate further the functions of a novel zinc finger transcription factor in the grass pea (GpZF) gene involved in the drought stress response in the grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) and to investigate its biochemical and physiological parameters under stress conditions. GpZF was expressed in grass pea. Relative gene expression analysis showed the GpZF gene in independent transgenic lines was more under drought mild and severe treatments (50% and 25% field capacity-FC). Furthermore, overexpression of this gene in grass pea results in more relative water content, free proline, and soluble sugars than the wild-type (WT) plants under 50% and 25% FC stresses. Moreover, in 25% FC, the independent transgenic lines revealed an increase in survival rates and dry weight than the WT plants. GpZF thus implies the positive role in drought stress tolerance in Lathyrus sativus. In conclusion, the transgenic grass pea plants generated in this study could be used to farm arid areas. HighlightGpZF is a positive regulator in drought stress tolerance in grass pea.