EuPIP1;2, a Plasma Membrane Aquaporin Gene from Eucommia ulmoides, Enhances Drought and Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco

Aquaporins are a specific type of membrane channel proteins that efficiently transport water molecules and other small molecular substrates in plants. In this study, we isolated the plasma aquaporin gene EuPIP1;2 from Eucommia ulmoides, an important medicinal plant China. The protein was localized on membrane. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed constitutively expressed all analyzed tissues, with highest expression levels detected fruit root. Overexpression transgenic tobacco enhanced tolerance drought salinity. Under salt stress, lines exhibited higher percentage germination, longer roots, survival compared wild-type contents malonaldehyde proline suggested improved by reducing damage to membranes improving osmotic adjustment. We predict could be applied improve