CAX3 Gene is Involved in Flax Response to High Soil Acidity and Aluminum Exposure

Abstract

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant response to unfavorable conditions is necessary for the effective selection of tolerant genotypes. Earlier, using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of flax plants after exposure to aluminum ions (Al³⁺) and high soil acidity, we detected stress-induced alteration in the expression of several genes, including CAX3, which encodes Ca²⁺/H⁺-exchanger involved in calcium ion transport. Here we describe CAX3 mRNA levels in flax cultivars either tolerant (Hermes and TMP1919) or sensitive (Lira and Orshanskiy) to Al³⁺. Stress-induced increased expression of CAX3 was detected only in aluminum-tolerant flax cultivars. The product of CAX3 gene may participate in flax response to high soil acidity and high Al³⁺ concentration through Ca²⁺-mediated intracellular regulation.