PubMed · 2026-05-28
Scientists identified a gene in Russian dandelion — a plant that naturally produces rubber — that dramatically improves its ability to survive in salty soils. By activating this single gene, the plant ramps up its internal antioxidant defenses, offering a promising tool for breeding salt-tolerant crops suited to degraded or saline farmland.
Salt concentrations of 100–300 mM NaCl suppressed growth and photosynthesis in Russian dandelion while triggering a measurable rise in antioxidant enzyme activity and the stress compound proline.
Network analysis of the entire genome identified TksC3H20 as a master regulator among 49 related zinc-finger proteins, with the gene strongly induced specifically by salt stress in leaves.
Overexpressing TksC3H20 improved salt survival in both Russian dandelion and the model plant thale cress by upregulating multiple protective genes and reducing oxidative damage.
