Metallothionein gene (SgMT) from Suaeda glauca expression under saline stress

A type Ⅱ metallothionein gene (SgMT) gene was isolated from Suaeda glauca which had 234 bp open reading frame and encoded 78 amino acids. SgMT was highly expressed in seeds and leaves which were tested by qRT-PCR. SgMT genes up-regulated under different concentrations of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 salt stress and did not change under high pH conditions. The recombinant yeast cells with SgMT grew better than control cells under 12 mmol·L-1 Na2CO3 and 26 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 salt stress and had no difference under different pH value. These results suggested that SgMT gene played an important role in plant adaptation to environmental stresses.