Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Salt Stress Adaptation Mechanisms in Cultivated Rice Varieties (Oryza...

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Global climate change exacerbates salt stress, significantly impacting rice (Oryza sativa) growth and yield.
• Understanding the genetic basis of salt tolerance is crucial for developing resilient rice varieties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential responses of two rice varieties, Xiangxiuzhan (XXZ) and Changxiang (CXG), to salt stress.
• To identify key molecular pathways and genes involved in salt tolerance mechanisms in rice.

Main Methods:

• Two rice varieties (XXZ and CXG) were subjected to 100 mM NaCl stress.
• Transcriptome analysis was performed to compare gene expression profiles between varieties and treatments.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were utilized to identify enriched biological processes and pathways.

Main Results:

• CXG demonstrated higher germination potential, while XXZ exhibited greater survival efficiency during the growth stage under salt stress.
• XXZ showed a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in grains, whereas CXG had more DEGs in leaves and roots.
• Enriched pathways included beta-alanine metabolism, cutin biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and cellular/environmental signal transduction.

Conclusions:

• XXZ and CXG possess distinct salt tolerance mechanisms, with differential gene expression patterns observed in various tissues.
• The study highlights the importance of beta-alanine metabolism, cutin biosynthesis, and hormone signaling in rice salt tolerance.
• These findings provide insights into the molecular basis of salt stress adaptation in rice, aiding in the development of salt-tolerant cultivars.