The effects of overexpressing <i>UDP-Glycosyltransferases</i> genes on the plant response to abiotic stress: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

URIDINE DIPHOSPHATE (UDP)-GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASES (UGT) play essential roles in modifying secondary metabolites during the plant life cycle and are also involved in the response to abiotic stresses. However, the plant UGT family is vast and the available data describing their role in abiotic stress responses is varied and intricate, so that their potential roles are often obscured. To address this, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of overexpression of UGT on various plant physiological indicators under abiotic stress. Out of the 15 plant characteristics examined in UGT overexpressing plants, 10 showed an increase of over 30% , while 2 plant characteristics decreased by more than 30%, while only 3 indices were significantly affected under non-stressed conditions. Notably, UGT had a significant and positive effect in salt-stressed plants. This study sheds light on the complex role of UGT in abiotic stress and can provide valuable guidance for future research on UGT functions and their genetic manipulation in crop breeding programs for improved abiotic stress tolerances.