A novel and conserved salt-induced protein is an important determinant of salt tolerance in yeast

Roberto Gaxiola, Iñigo F. De Larrinoa, José M. Villalba, Ramón Serrano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

182 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have isolated a novel yeast gene, HAL1, which upon overexpression improves growth under salt stress. In addition, disruption of this gene decreases salt tolerance. Therefore HAL1 constitutes a rate-limiting determinant for halotolerance. It encodes a polar protein of 32 kDa located in the yeast cytoplasm and unrelated to sequences in data banks. The expression of this gene is increased by high concentrations of either NaCl, KCI or sorbitol. On the other hand, the growth advantage obtained by overexpression of HAL1 is specific for NaCl stress. In cells overexpressing HAL1, sodium toxicity seems to be counteracted by an increased accumulation of potassium. The HAL1 protein could interact with the transport systems which determine intracellular K+ homeostasis. The HAL1 gene and encoded protein are conserved in plants, being induced in these organisms by salt stress and abscisic acid. These results suggest that yeast serves as a convenient model system for the molecular biology of plant salt tolerance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3157-3164
Number of pages8
JournalEMBO Journal
Volume11
Issue number9
StatePublished - Sep 1992
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • K transport
  • Salt induction
  • Salt tolerance
  • Yeast

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

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