CIPK11: a calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinase from Nitraria tangutorum, confers tolerance to salt and drought in Arabidopsis

Abstract Background The CIPKs are a group of plant-specific Ser/Thr protein kinases acting in response to calcium signaling, which plays an important role the physiological and developmental adaptation plants adverse environments. However, functions halophyte-derived CIPK s still poorly understood, that limits potential application from halophytes for improving tolerance glycophytes abiotic stresses. Results In this study, we characterized NtCIPK11 gene halophyte Nitraria tangutorum subsequently analyzed its salt drought stress tolerance, using Arabidopsis as transgenic model system. expression was upregulated N. root, stem blade tissues after or treatment. Overexpressing improved seed germination on medium containing different levels NaCl. Moreover, grew more vigorously under developed longer roots conditions than WT plants. Furthermore, overexpression altered transcription genes encoding key enzymes involved proline metabolism exposed salinity, however, showed relatively weak undergoing mannitol treatment, situation mimics stress. Besides, significantly accumulated -overexpressing compared with NaCl but not observed caused by application. Conclusions We conclude promotes plant growth mitigates damage associated regulating controlling accumulation. These results extend our understanding function suggest can serve candidate through genetic engineering.