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Breeding by Design for Functional Rice with Genome Editing Technologies
Published on: January 3, 2025
OsMYB306-OsRAV11 Regulates Resistance of Rice to Striped Stem Borer by Modulating Serotonin Biosynthesis
Jia-Run Zhang1, Long Wang1, Yang-Fan Chen1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Breeding, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Exploitation, The Advanced Seed Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|May 7, 2026
Summary
A newly identified OsMYB306-OsRAV11 module in rice regulates serotonin biosynthesis, a phytohormone crucial for defense. This discovery offers a pathway to developing pest-resistant rice varieties through genome editing.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Agricultural entomology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Striped stem borer (SSB) is a major rice pest.
- SSB infestation increases serotonin biosynthesis via OsT5H, enhancing susceptibility.
- The regulatory mechanism of this pathway is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the regulatory module controlling OsT5H transcription and serotonin biosynthesis in rice in response to SSB.
- To elucidate the interaction between OsMYB306 and OsRAV11 in regulating serotonin production.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create knockout mutants (myb306, rav11, myb306 rav11).
- Analysis of OsT5H expression levels in wild-type and mutant rice plants.
- Assessment of serotonin accumulation and SSB resistance in different genotypes.
- Protein-protein interaction studies to confirm OsRAV11 and OsMYB306 interaction.
Main Results:
- The OsMYB306-OsRAV11 module was identified as a repressor of OsT5H transcription.
- OsRAV11 enhances the inhibitory function of OsMYB306 on OsT5H.
- Knockout mutants showed increased OsT5H expression, higher serotonin levels, and reduced SSB resistance.
- OsRAV11 overexpression led to decreased OsT5H transcription.
Conclusions:
- A transcriptional regulatory framework for serotonin biosynthesis in rice under SSB attack has been established.
- The OsMYB306-OsRAV11 module plays a critical role in modulating plant defense against SSB.
- Findings provide a basis for developing genome-edited, SSB-resistant rice, potentially reducing pesticide use.
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