Evidence for the role of wheat eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit g (TaeIF3g) in abiotic stress tolerance

• Gene for eukaryotic translation factor 3 subunit (TaeIF3g) was cloned from wheat.
• Different stresses enhanced the expression of TaeIF3g in roots and shoots.
• Over-expression of TaeIF3g imparts stress tolerance in yeast and Arabidopsis.
• First study to throw light on the physiological role of eIF3g.

The gene encoding eIF3g (TaeIF3g), one of the 11 subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3), was cloned from wheat for carrying out its functional analysis. Transgenic expression of TaeIF3g enhanced the tolerance of TaeIF3g-overexpressing parental yeast cells and Arabidopsis plants under different abiotic stress conditions. Compared to untransformed plants, TaeIF3g-overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana plants exhibited significantly higher survival rate, soluble proteins and photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced protection against photooxidative stress under drought conditions. This study provides first evidence that TaeIF3g imparts stress tolerance and could be a potential candidate gene for developing crop plants tolerant to abiotic stress.