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OsPHR2-OsDIR55 Module Enhances Root Barrier Integrity and Rice Tolerance to Phosphate Deficiency
Wen Duan1, Xuemei Li1, Baoping Xue1
1Department of Plant Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Low soil phosphate (Pi) limits plant growth. This study shows OsDIR55 enhances rice root adaptation to Pi deficiency by regulating lignification and Pi homeostasis, improving crop productivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Low inorganic phosphate (Pi) bioavailability in soil is a major constraint on plant growth and crop yields.
- Phosphate deficiency can induce localized lignification in plant roots, affecting root structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the OsDIR55 gene in rice response to low inorganic phosphate (Pi) conditions.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of OsDIR55 expression and its function in maintaining Pi homeostasis and root adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis (overexpression and loss-of-function mutants).
- Promoter analysis and transcription factor binding assays (OsPHR2 and P1BS cis-elements).
- Assessment of root anatomy, Pi content, and physiological responses under varying Pi conditions.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of OsDIR55 enhanced rice growth and biomass under low Pi, while dir55 mutants showed impaired performance.
- OsPHR2 directly regulates OsDIR55 expression in response to Pi deprivation.
- OsDIR55 reinforces root apoplastic barrier function, maintaining Pi homeostasis and preventing Pi toxicity under sufficient conditions.
Conclusions:
- The OsPHR2-OsDIR55 module is crucial for mediating root anatomical adaptations to Pi scarcity in rice.
- OsDIR55 plays a significant role in Pi stress signaling and lignification, impacting plant responses to environmental stresses.
- Understanding this pathway can inform strategies to improve crop productivity in low-phosphate soils.
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