A 3-Ketoacyl-CoA Synthase 10 () Homologue from Alfalfa Enhances Drought Tolerance by Regulating Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis.

Cuticular wax, forming the first line of defense against adverse environmental stresses, comprises very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and their derivatives. 3-Ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) is a rate-limiting enzyme for VLCFA biosynthesis. In this study, we isolated , a gene from alfalfa, and analyzed the effect of gene expression on wax production and drought stress in transgenic plants. overexpression increased compact platelet-like crystal deposition and promoted primary alcohol biosynthesis through acyl reduction pathways in alfalfa leaves. Overexpression of induced the formation of coiled-rodlet-like crystals and increased -alkane content through decarbonylation pathways in tobacco and tomato fruits. Overexpression of enhanced drought tolerance by limiting nonstomatal water loss, improving photosynthesis, and maintaining osmotic potential under drought stress in transgenic tobacco. In summary, plays an important role in wax biosynthesis, wax crystal morphology, and drought tolerance, although the mechanisms are different among the plant species. can be targeted in future breeding programs to improve drought tolerance in plants.