Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis ›› 2025, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (8): 1817-1824.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-1524.20240115

• Review • Previous Articles    

Research progress on the function of galactinol synthase gene family in plants

LIU Yan(), LIN Tianbao, LYU Zhiqiang()   

  1. Institute of Sericulture and Tea Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
  • Received:2024-01-30 Online:2025-08-25 Published:2025-09-03
  • Contact: LYU Zhiqiang

Abstract:

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are widespread carbohydrates functioning in storage and transport in plants. Galactinol synthase (GolS), a key rate-limiting enzyme in raffinose biosynthesis, is involved in regulating carbon storage, phloem transport, osmotic adjustment, and stress signal transduction, and also plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. In the present paper, we review the research progress on the structural characteristics and biological functions of plant GolS gene family, and summarize its roles in plant assimilate transport, seed development, and cell secondary wall formation, as well as its ability to enhance plant stress resistance by regulating cellular osmotic pressure and antioxidant capacity. Future research is prospected to focus on exploring the regulatory mechanisms underlying GolS gene expression and their potential in crop improvement and stress-resistant breeding, which may provide theoretical support and technical references for agricultural production.

Key words: raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), galactinol synthase, stress tolerance

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