The transcription factor ThDOF8 binds to a novel cis-element and mediates molecular responses to salt stress in Tamarix hispida.

This article focuses on the identification and functional characterization of ThDOF8, a DNA-binding with one finger (DOF) transcription factor from the halophyte Tamarix hispida, in conferring salt stress tolerance. ThDOF8 is a nuclear-localized protein with transcriptional activation activity that is induced by salt stress and enhances salt tolerance by increasing proline content and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase), thereby reducing oxidative damage. ThDOF8 specifically binds to a novel cis-element, TGCG, in the promoters of target genes including cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRK10 and CRK26) and glutamate decarboxylases (GAD41 and GAD42), regulating their expression; transient overexpression of ThCRK10 also improves salt tolerance in T. hispida. These findings provide insight into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of salt tolerance in T. hispida and offer potential candidate genes for improving salt tolerance in other plants through molecular breeding.