High expression of S-type anion channels optimizes stomatal dynamics for improved water conservation in Coix lacryma-jobi

Stomatal regulation plays a vital role in enhancing drought resistance in plants, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms in C 4 crops remain largely unexplored. Focusing on the nutritionally important C 4 species Coix lacryma-jobi , we identified key anion transporters— ClSLAC1 , ClSLAH3 , and ClALMT12 —with elevated leaf expression, notably higher for ClSLAC1 and ClSLAH3 than ClALMT12 . Utilizing computational modeling with OnGuard, we predicted that increased expression of ClSLAC s promote stomatal opening and closing. Experimental validation further revealed that Coix has both faster stomatal kinetics and reduced stomatal aperture relative to Arabidopsis . Our findings indicate that enhanced ClSLAC1/ClSLAH3 expression significantly improves water retention of Coix , providing a molecular foundation for the water use. These insights could pave the way for developing stress-resilient crops through targeted engineering strategies.