NtEXT1L Positively Regulates Drought Tolerance in Tobacco

This study reveals that overexpression of NtEXT1L enhances drought tolerance in tobacco by improving root architecture, leaf development, and stomatal regulation; strengthening microtubule and cytoskeletal functions; activating MAPK and phytohormone signaling; and reprogramming phenylpropanoid metabolism to boost antioxidant capacity via syringin accumulation. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses confirm these mechanisms, providing new insights into extensin-mediated drought resistance and potential applications in crop breeding.