We cloned the Lcε-LYC gene from carotenoids-rich plant Lycium chinense, and analyzed its characteristics from multiple perspectives.
We transformed this novel Lcε-LYC gene into A. thaliana, and found that the transgenics had improved tolerance to chilling stress.
The increased chilling tolerance in transgenic plants was ascribed to the enhanced lutein content and its roles in chlorophyll antenna size of photosystem II, photoprotection and membrane stabilization.