MES7 Modulates Seed Germination via Regulating Salicylic Acid Content in Arabidopsis

Seed germination is an important phase transitional period of angiosperm plants during which seeds are highly sensitive to different environmental conditions. Although seed germination is under the regulation of salicylic acid (SA) and other hormones, the molecular mechanism underlying these regulations remains mysterious. In this study, we determined the expression of SA methyl esterase (MES) family genes during seed germination. We found that MES7 expression decreases significantly in imbibed seeds, and the dysfunction of MES7 decreases SA content. Furthermore, MES7 reduces and promotes seed germination under normal and salt stress conditions, respectively. The application of SA restores the seed germination deficiencies of mes7 mutants under different conditions. Taking together, our observations uncover a MeSA hydrolytic enzyme, MES7, regulates seed germination via altering SA titer under normal and abiotic stress conditions.

Automated summary

This study reveals that the SA methyl esterase MES7 regulates seed germination by altering SA content under normal and abiotic stress conditions. MES7 expression decreases significantly in imbibed seeds, and dysfunction of MES7 leads to decreased SA content. Furthermore, MES7 shows both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on seed germination under normal and salt stress conditions, respectively. The application of SA can restore the seed germination deficiencies of mes7 mutants under different conditions.