Gene-edited Rice Exhibits Rice Blast Resistance and Improved Lignin Content

A study published in the New Phytologist reported the critical role of rice gene OsPUB41 in blast resistance. The research team used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to generate knockouts and perform genetic engineering for overexpression. Their findings offer insights into the development of blast-resistant rice with no negative impact on agronomic traits.

Plant U-box (PUB) proteins have been recognized for their vital roles in plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the role of PUB proteins in rice immunity remains uncertain. This led the researchers to use transcriptome analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction detection and found that Oryza sativa plant U-box 41 (OsPUB41) is a blast-induced PUB gene.

Results showed that OsPUB41 knockouts had increased levels of OsPAL proteins, improved lignin content, and stronger cell walls as protection from Magnaporthe oryzae fungus, which causes the rice blast disease. These changes led to better rice blast resistance without a yield penalty. Furthermore, genetically engineered plants with overexpressed OsPUB41 exhibited reduced blast resistance.

Read the research article in New Phytologist.