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Natural Variation of a Specific NLR Gene RGA4L Confers Strong Chilling Tolerance in Rice
Ping Gan1,2, Yongliang Wang1, Hanxing Wei1
1College of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|August 6, 2025
Summary
Scientists identified a novel gene, RGA4L, that significantly enhances rice chilling tolerance. This discovery offers potential for breeding cold-resistant rice varieties adapted to diverse environments.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Molecular biology
- Agronomy
Background:
- Low temperatures restrict rice cultivation globally.
- Japonica rice exhibits chilling tolerance, but its genetic basis is not fully understood.
- Understanding chilling tolerance mechanisms is crucial for expanding rice cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genes conferring chilling tolerance in japonica rice.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying rice adaptation to low temperatures.
- To explore the potential of identified genes for breeding cold-resistant rice varieties.
Main Methods:
- Map-based cloning of a major chilling-tolerant quantitative trait locus (QTL), qCSS12.
- Utilizing chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) derived from a cross between Koshihikari (japonica) and Nona Bokra (indica).
- Gene expression analysis (RNAi and overexpression) and protein interaction studies.
Main Results:
- Identified qCSS12, with the causal gene RGA4L (Disease Resistance Gene Analog 4-Like), encoding an NLR protein.
- RGA4L confers chilling tolerance at both vegetative and reproductive stages.
- RGA4L interacts with OsHSP90 and OsLEA5, suggesting a role in signal transduction.
- RGA4L was under artificial selection during japonica rice domestication.
Conclusions:
- RGA4L is a key gene conferring broad-stage chilling tolerance in rice.
- The RGA4L-OsHSP90-OsLEA5 pathway is critical for sensing and responding to cold stress.
- RGA4L holds significant potential for developing climate-resilient rice varieties.
