Biotech Updates

OsLPR Genes Play Roles in Maintaining Phosphate Homeostasis in Rice

October 5, 2016

Phosphorus is often limiting in soils and affects plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the genes Low Phosphate Root1 and 2 (LPR1 and LPR2) encode multicopper oxidases (MCOs), which regulate meristem responses of the root system to phosphate deficiency. However, their role in maintaining Pi homeostasis in rice has not been studied yet

A group of researchers from Nanjing Agricultural University, led by Yue Cao, identified and studied the homologs of LPR1/2 in rice. Five homologs, referred to as OsLPR1 to 5, were identified. Analysis revealed higher expression levels of OsLPR3, 4, and 5 in roots and OsLPR2 in shoots. Deficiencies of different nutrients affected the expression levels of the OsLPR genes differently, with some having partial overlapping effects.

Phosphate deficiency triggered significant increases in the relative expression levels of OsLPR3 and 5. Further analysis revealed that the expressions of OsLPR3 and 5 are negatively correlated to the expression of OsPHR2.

The results of this study showed the functional diversity of OsLPR genes in rice. OsLPR3 and 5 genes were also found to be related to the maintenance of phosphate homeostasis in rice.

For more information, read the full article in BMC Plant Biology.