Heterologous expression of DRB0118 gene from Deinococcus radiodurans confers abiotic stress tolerance in soybean

Soybean (Glycine max) is a globally important crop for oil and protein production, but its growth and yield are severely affected by abiotic stresses, such as drought and salinity. We investigated subcellular localization of the DRB0118 gene from Deinococcus radiodurans, and phenotypic, physiological and biochemical indicators of DRB0118 overexpressing soybean plants under salt and drought stresses. Combined with transcriptome data, the results showed that overexpression of DRB0118 improved salt and drought tolerance of soybean. Subcellular localization revealed that the DRB0118 protein is localized in the nucleus and cell membrane. Overexpressed DRB0118 soybean lines had significantly improved survival under drought and salt stress, accompanied by enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, as well as tighter closure of the stomatal aperture and a stronger root system. Transcriptome profiling further revealed that DRB0118 upregulated photosynthesis-related pathways under drought stress, and flavonoid biosynthesis under salt stress, both critical for mitigating oxidative damage. These findings highlight DRB0118 as a promising candidate gene for engineering crops with enhanced resilience to abiotic stresses. We discuss the potential mechanism of overexpressing DRB0118-enhanced salt and drought tolerance in soybean, including changes in antioxidants, stomata and roots, and enrichment of photosynthetic and flavonoid synthesis pathways.