The AtGSTU7 gene influences glutathione-dependent seed germination under ABA and osmotic stress in Arabidopsis

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play important roles in metabolism and detoxification of plant cells. However, their functions during development are less well understood. Arabidopsis AtGSTU7 (AT2G29420) encodes a Tau class GST. Here we provide the AtGSTU7 was abundantly expressed in seeds and in roots at an early stage of germination. AtGSTU7 expression was repressed by exogenous ABA and promoted by osmotic stress. A null mutant of AtGSTU7 (atgstu7) accumulated higher contents of reduced GSH and decreased amounts of endogenous H2O2 in seedlings. The atgstu7 plants showed decreased osmotic tolerance during seed germination, which was influenced by GSH and ABI3 gene expression. The results suggested that AtGSTU7 involvement in seed germination is mediated by GSH–ROS homeostasis and ABA signaling.