Salt-Induced Differences During the Gene Expression of Telomerase Enzyme in Sunflower

Background: Salinity is one of the most important environmental stresses which reduces the nutrient uptake, growth and yield of crops including sunflower. Objectives: The aim of this study was evaluating the expression pattern of telomerase gene, TERT, in sunflower plants under salinity stress. Materials and Methods: Sunflower plants of both sensitive and resistant lines were grown in greenhouse and treated with different levels of NaCl (2, 5 and 8 dSm-1). The expression pattern of TERT gene was evaluated at 8th leaf stage 6, 12 and 24 hours post salt treatment using real time-PCR, since the effects of salt stress are eventually manifested in the leaves. Results: In both lines, salt-subjected plants showed reduced size and dried leaves, due to breakthrough of the growth. Compared to the control group, treated groups tended to indicate downregulated pattern of TERT gene expression. Conclusions: This study offers TERT as a new gene affected by salt stress when growth is arrested.