Tocopherols (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols) represent a group of lipophilic antioxidants which are synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. It is widely believed that protection of pigments and proteins of photosynthetic system and polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the main function of tocopherols. In the present study, NtTC, which encodes a tobacco tocopherol cyclase ortholog, was cloned and characterized. Compared with control plants, NtTC transgenic rice showed higher tolerance to drought stress, and total tocopherol content increased by 52 % in leaf. Additionally, total antioxitant activity of NtTC transgenic lines was increased significantly by 19%. These results demonstrate that over-expressing NtTC could improve the tolerance to abiotic stress in rice, and tocopherols play a crucial role in the protection of oxidative stress.

• Hee-Jong Woo(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA)) Corresponding Author
• Jae-Kwang Kim(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA))
• Soo-In Sohn(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA))
• Kong-Sik Shin(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA))
• Myung-Ho Lim(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA))
• Soon-Jong Kweon(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA))
• Seok-Cheol Cho(National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA))