Cellular adaptation to high salinity by plant cells can be reversible, indicating that the regulated expression of specific genes is controlling this adaptation. The osmotin gene is one of the most thoroughly studied genes that have altered expression during exposure of adaptation to NaCl. The overall objective of this research is to better characterize the structure and function of the osmotin gene. Gene transfer studies will be used to determine the specific physiological role of osmotin in adaptation to NaCl. Molecular techniques will also be used to examine the regulatory structure of the osmotin gene to determine the mechanisms that control its expression under natural conditions. Specifically, cis-acting DNA sequences and a transacting factor will be examined. Salinity stress is an important constraint on agricultural production, particularly in irrigated systems. The long term goal of this research is to understand the basic mechanisms involved in the process of cellular adaptation to salt by examining specific genes expressed during adaptation. Understanding of the regulatory properties of such genes will eventually lead to understanding how to manipulate salt tolerance in plants, including important crop species.
