Integrative multi-scale analysis reveals a candidate melatonin receptor associated with early salinity response networks in barley

Description

Shamloo-Dashtpagerdi and colleagues hunted for a melatonin sensor in barley in 2026. Melatonin is a signal molecule that helps plants cope with stress, but how barley detects it was unclear. They modeled a candidate protein, called HvPMTR1, on a computer, then ran lab and greenhouse tests under salt stress. A partner protein, HvGα1, was tracked beside it in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive barley lines.

Modeling supported the candidate as a seven-pass membrane protein shaped to bind melatonin, fitting a sensor role in the plant. Adding melatonin switched both genes on together and steadied the plant's reactive oxygen, a harmful byproduct of stress. Treated plants kept more water and defended themselves better against salt damage in the tests. The tolerant line switched this pair on more strongly under early salt stress and kept making food from light, placing the pair inside the crop's early salt-response network.

Catalog record

Source: https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13478327