Knockout of a gene encoding a Gγ protein boosts alkaline tolerance in cereal crops

Abstract Sorghum is highly tolerant to alkaline stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, based on genotypic difference in tolerance of sorghum, it was found that AT1 (Alkaline 1) encoding a G protein involved through negatively modulating phosphorylation level PIP2, an aquaporin with transport activity for H 2 O . Knockout releases its inhibition thereby resulting increased from cytosol into apoplast, subsequently boosting tolerance.