Isolation and characterization of a novel glycogen synthase kinase-3 gene, GmGSK, in Glycine max L. that enhances abiotic stress tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

A novel glycogen synthase kinase-3 gene, GmGSK, was isolated from Glycine max. It is 1,596 bp in length with one ORF of 410 amino acids. Southern blot analysis revealed that it has at least two copies in the G. max genome. GmGSK, when transiently expressed in Nicotiana tabacum leaves, was localized in both cell membrane and cytoplasm. Northern blot analysis indicated that GmGSK is expressed in all tissues, with highest expression in the root. GmGSK can be induced by various abiotic stresses. When transformed with GmGSK, Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibited enhanced resistance to salt and drought stress.