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BpMYB73 regulates long noncoding RNA BplncW20 to improve drought tolerance by mediating ROS scavenging in Betula
Huimin Zhao1, Yaqi Jia1,2, Yani Niu2
1School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, State Key Laboratory of Tropical Crop Breeding, Hainan University, Sanya, 572025, China.
The New Phytologist
|June 30, 2026
Summary
The long noncoding RNA BplncW20 enhances birch drought tolerance by promoting root growth and activating stress response genes. This discovery reveals a key regulatory pathway for plant adaptation to drought conditions.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Drought stress significantly impedes tree growth.
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in plant stress responses, but their specific functions in drought adaptation are not fully understood.
- Investigating lncRNAs offers potential for improving plant drought resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism of the lncRNA BplncW20 in regulating drought responses in Betula platyphylla (birch).
- To identify upstream regulators and downstream targets of BplncW20 involved in drought adaptation.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression.
- Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and yeast one-hybrid assays to study protein-DNA interactions.
- Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm regulatory interactions.
- Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) to investigate RNA-protein interactions.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of BplncW20 promoted root growth and enhanced drought tolerance in birch, while mutants showed opposite effects.
- BplncW20 upregulated BpFSD2 expression, boosting antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress.
- The transcription factor BpMYB73 was identified as an upstream regulator of BplncW20, binding to its promoter.
Conclusions:
- BplncW20 plays a critical role in promoting root development and enhancing drought tolerance in birch.
- A regulatory pathway involving BpMYB73, BplncW20, and downstream target genes (like BpFSD2) is proposed for drought adaptation.
- Understanding this pathway provides insights into improving tree resilience to drought stress.
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