A 22-bp deletion in OsPLS3 gene encoding a DUF266-containing protein is implicated in rice leaf senescence

Abstract

Key message The OsPLS3 locus was isolated by map-based cloning that encodes a DUF266-containing protein. OsPLS3 regulates the onset of leaf senescence in rice. Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are one of the most important enzyme groups required for the modification of plant secondary metabolites and play a crucial role in plant growth and development, however the biological functions of most GTs remain elusive. We reported here the identification and characterization of a novel Oryza sativa premature leaf senescence mutant (ospls3). Through map-based cloning strategy, we determined that 22-bp deletion in the OsPLS3 gene encoding a domain of unknown function 266 (DUF266)-containing protein, a member of GT14-like, underlies the premature leaf senescence phenotype in the ospls3 mutant. The OsPLS3 mRNA levels progressively declined with the age-dependent leaf senescence in wild-type rice, implying a negative role of OsPLS3 in regulating leaf senescence. Physiological analysis, and histochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy assays indicated that the ospls3 mutant accumulated higher levels of ethylene and reactive oxygen species than its wild type. Furthermore, the ospls3 mutant showed hypersensitivity to exogenous 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, HO and high level of cytokinins. Our results indicated that the DUF266-containing gene OsPLS3 plays an important role in the onset of leaf senescence, in part through cytokinin and ethylene signaling in rice.

Mutation in a putative glycosyltransferase-like gene causes programmed cell death and early leaf senescence in rice

“…Although several studies have uncovered functions for O-glycosylation in many key cellular processes (Zentella et al, 2016; Xu et al, 2017; Zentella et al, 2017), very few have been functionally related to senescence in plants. Taken with the findings by Li et al (Li et al, 2018), it has been suggested that protein O-glycosylation modification might plays an important role in leaf senescence.…”

“…Its deduced amino acid sequence displays a high similarity to acetylglucosaminyl transferases family involved in protein O -glycosylation modification. During preparing for this article, Li et al (Li et al, 2018) published premature leaf senescence mutant ( ospls3 ). There are similarities between psl and ospls3 mutants in many respects, including the increased level of ethylene.…”

Unraveling the Diverse Roles of Neglected Genes Containing Domains of Unknown Function (DUFs): Progress and Perspective

“…Equally importantly, the functions of some DUF genes are diverse and complex, as mentioned earlier in DUF538 genes. For instance, it is reported that a gene containing DUF266 is involved in leaf senescence in addition to the previously mentioned role related to cell wall development [ 44 ]. The study found the DUF266-containing gene OsPLS3 plays an important role in the onset of leaf senescence through perturbing ethylene production in leaves, thereby affecting the onset of leaf senescence in rice.…”