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Jasmonates (JAs) are important phytohormones that regulate a wide range of plant processes, including growth, development and stress responses. Jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins are transcriptional repressors in JA signaling. Overexpression of JAZ7 was found to confer drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana), but the molecular mechanisms are not known. Using Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics and targeted metabolomics approaches, we found that 394 unique proteins and 96 metabolites were differentially expressed under drought and/or among the three genotypes (wild type (WT), JAZ7 knock out (KO) and JAZ7 over expression (OE)). Unique and differential proteins/metabolites after each comparison were analyzed to gauge their potential functions in drought tolerance. The proteins and metabolites are enriched in JA and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways, response to stress, photosynthesis, redox and metabolic process.

Biological significance: Drought stress is a global challenge that affects agricultural production. JAZ7 over expression led to drought tolerance in A. thaliana through modulating photosynthesis, redox, and amino acids, phytohormones and defense metabolites. The results have provided important insights into the JAZ7 regulated molecular networks of drought tolerance. The knowledge may facilitate effort to enhance crop drought tolerance in the era of climate change.