New research has unveiled the genes responsible for aiding plants in thriving under harsh conditions, offering a glimmer of hope for bolstering sustainable food production amidst the challenges of climate change. Spearheaded by the University of East Anglia (UEA), the study sheds light on the genes that empower plants to produce a remarkable anti-stress compound known as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP).
This revelation not only demonstrates that most plants are capable of producing DMSP but also highlights that elevated levels of this compound enable plants to flourish in challenging environments such as coastal areas and saline conditions.
Furthermore, the research showcases that plants can be cultivated under various stressful circumstances, including drought, either through the supplementation of DMSP or by engineering plants to autonomously produce this essential compound. This innovative approach holds significant promise, particularly in nitrogen-deficient soils, as it has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity.
This study marks the first of its kind to elucidate the genetic mechanisms governing DMSP production in plants, unravel the purpose behind this vital molecule, and unveil its potential in fortifying plants against environmental stressors.
“Excitingly, our study shows that most plants make the anti-stress compound DMSP, but that the saltmarsh grass Spartina is special due to the high levels it accumulates. This is important because Spartina saltmarshes are global hotspots for DMSP production and for generation of the climate-cooling gas dimethylsulfide through the action of microbes that breakdown DMSP,” said Prof Jon Todd of UEA’s School of Biological Sciences.
Lead author Dr. Ben Miller, also from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, added: “This discovery provides fundamental understanding about how plants tolerate stress and offers promising avenues for improving the tolerance of crops to salinity and drought, which is important for enhancing agricultural sustainability in the face of global climate change.”
The interdisciplinary research team, comprising scientists from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and the Ocean University of China, delved into the fascinating world of Spartina anglica, a species of saltmarsh cordgrass.
Their goal was to unravel the mystery behind its remarkable high levels of DMSP production and compare its genetic makeup with other low-DMSP producing plants, including staple crops like barley and wheat.
They discovered three key enzymes that drive the exceptional DMSP synthesis in Spartina anglica. This research has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant biochemistry and its implications for agriculture and the environment.
DMSP plays a pivotal role in protecting against stress and is essential for global carbon and sulfur cycling, as well as the production of climate-active gases.
Saltmarsh ecosystems, especially those dominated by Spartina cordgrasses, are vibrant hubs for DMSP production thanks to these plants’ ability to synthesize remarkably high concentrations of the compound.
Journal reference:
- Rocky D. Payet, Lorelei J. Bilham, Shah Md Tamim Kabir, Serena Monaco, Ash R. Norcott, Mellieha G. E. Allen, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Anthony J. Davy, Charles A. Brearley, Jonathan D. Todd & J. Benjamin Miller. Elucidation of Spartina dimethylsulfoniopropionate synthesis genes enables engineering of stress tolerant plants. Nature Communications, 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51758-z