Integrated ATAC-Seq and RNA-Seq Data Analysis to Reveal OsbZIP14 Function in Rice in Response to Heat Stress

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Transcription factors (TFs) are crucial for plant adaptation to abiotic stresses like heat.
• Identifying heat-responsive TFs in rice is vital for improving crop resilience.
• Existing research has identified several TF families involved in heat stress tolerance, but specific mechanisms in rice require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize novel heat-responsive transcription factor genes in rice.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which TFs mediate heat stress tolerance in rice.
• To provide candidate genes for enhancing heat stress tolerance in rice.

Main Methods:

• Integrated transcriptomic and epigenetic sequencing data analysis to identify TF genes.
• Bioinformatics analysis to determine the function and characteristics of identified TFs.
• Gene knockout experiments (using CRISPR-Cas9) in rice to assess gene function.
• Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays to investigate protein interactions.

Main Results:

• Three TF genes (OsbZIP14, OsMYB2, OsHSF7) were identified in response to heat stress.
• OsbZIP14, a nuclear TF with transcriptional activation capability, was characterized.
• OsbZIP14 knockout mutants exhibited dwarfism and reduced tillering, with altered OsbZIP58 expression under heat stress.
• Direct interaction between OsbZIP14 and OsbZIP58 was confirmed, suggesting a regulatory role in grain filling under heat.

Conclusions:

• OsbZIP14 plays a key role in rice heat stress tolerance, particularly during grain filling, through its interaction with OsbZIP58.
• These findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat tolerance in rice.
• OsbZIP14 and OsbZIP58 are potential targets for genetic engineering to improve rice heat stress resilience.