Root‑preferential OsPUB36 modulates ROS levels and regulates root development
Sunok Moon1, Yo-Han Yoo2, Ha Eun Park1
1Graduate School of Green Bio-Science & Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea.
Plant Cell Reports
|December 12, 2025
Summary
OsPUB36, a root-preferential E3 ubiquitin ligase, influences rice root development by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Overexpression shortens primary roots and elongates root hairs, impacting plant growth.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Root development is regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) gradients.
- Class III PUB E3 ubiquitin ligases are involved in plant growth.
- OsPUB36 is a root-preferential E3 ubiquitin ligase in rice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of OsPUB36 in rice root development.
- To understand the role of OsPUB36 in reactive oxygen species homeostasis.
- To explore the potential functional redundancy within the OsPUB31-OsPUB37 gene subclass.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic meta-analysis to identify gene subclasses.
- Functional characterization of OsPUB36 through overexpression and mutant analysis.
- RNA-sequencing and proteomic analysis to identify molecular pathways.
- Histochemical staining to assess hydrogen peroxide levels.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of OsPUB36 in rice led to shortened primary roots and elongated root hairs.
- OsPUB36 is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
- Upregulation of class III peroxidases and increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels were observed in root hairs of OsPUB36 overexpressing plants.
- Loss-of-function mutants showed no significant phenotype, indicating functional redundancy.
Conclusions:
- OsPUB36 plays a role in regulating rice root development and reactive oxygen species homeostasis.
- OsPUB36 modulates root hair elongation and primary root length.
- Functional redundancy exists among class III PUB E3 ubiquitin ligases in rice.
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