Expression of a rice Lambda class of glutathione S-transferase, OsGSTL2, in Arabidopsis provides tolerance to heavy metal and other abiotic stresses

► OsGSTLs express differentially in arsenate sensitive and tolerant rice genotypes. ► Heterologous expression of OsGSTL2 in Arabidopsis conferred early germination. ► Overexpressing lines showed tolerance towards different heavy metals. ► Overexpressing lines showed tolerance towards other abiotic stresses. ► Possible role of OsGSTL2 in plant growth, development and abiotic stress in rice.