Fig. 11

Model of the involvement of ZmGPDH1 in salt/osmotic stress responses. The stress signals triggered the expression of ZmGPDH1 and increased the NAD⁺-GPDH enzyme activity, which was required for two biological processes: glycerol biosynthesis by affecting the G-3-P provision and NADH/NAD⁺ homeostasis by disposing of extra reducing power. The elevated expression of genes involved in ROS and redox homeostasis resulted in improved ROS scavenging capacity and a series of positive physiological changes. In addition, the boosted accumulation of G-3-P/glycerol and optimized stomatal movement/water loss were also in concurrence, and collectively contributed to an enhanced salt/osmotic resistance. Red arrows indicated the tendency of changes