IrrE, a Global Regulator of Extreme Radiation Resistance in Deinococcus radiodurans, Enhances Salt Tolerance in Escherichia coli and Brassica napus
2009

IrrE Enhances Salt Tolerance in E. coli and Brassica napus

Sample size: 126 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pan Jie, Wang Jin, Zhou Zhengfu, Yan Yongliang, Zhang Wei, Lu Wei, Ping Shuzhen, Dai Qilin, Yuan Menglong, Feng Bin, Hou Xiaoguang, Zhang Ying, Ruiqiang Ma, Liu Tingting, Feng Lu, Wang Lei, Chen Ming, Lin Min

Primary Institution: Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Crop Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

Can the irrE gene from Deinococcus radiodurans improve salt tolerance in other organisms?

Conclusion

The expression of the IrrE gene significantly enhances salt tolerance in both E. coli and Brassica napus.

Supporting Evidence

  • IrrE protected E. coli cells against salt shock and other abiotic stresses.
  • Transgenic Brassica napus plants expressing IrrE can tolerate 350 mM NaCl.
  • Expression of IrrE led to significant changes in the proteome of E. coli under salt stress.

Takeaway

Scientists found a gene that helps some bacteria survive extreme conditions, and when they put this gene in plants, the plants could grow better in salty soil.

Methodology

The study used plate assays and quantitative RT-PCR to assess the effects of the IrrE gene on salt tolerance in E. coli and Brassica napus.

Limitations

The study does not explore the long-term effects of IrrE expression on plant growth and development under normal conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004422

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