A Nck‐associated protein 1‐like protein affects drought sensitivity by its involvement in leaf epidermal development and stomatal closure in rice

Abstract

SummaryWater deficit is a major environmental threat affecting crop yields worldwide. In this study, a drought stress‐sensitive mutant drought sensitive 8 (ds8) was identified in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The DS8 gene was cloned using a map‐based approach. Further analysis revealed that DS8 encoded a Nck‐associated protein 1 (NAP1)‐like protein, a component of the SCAR/WAVE complex, which played a vital role in actin filament nucleation activity. The mutant exhibited changes in leaf cuticle development. Functional analysis revealed that the mutation of DS8 increased stomatal density and impaired stomatal closure activity. The distorted actin filaments in the mutant led to a defect in abscisic acid (ABA)‐mediated stomatal closure and increased ABA accumulation. All these resulted in excessive water loss in ds8 leaves. Notably, antisense transgenic lines also exhibited increased drought sensitivity, along with impaired stomatal closure and elevated ABA levels. These findings suggest that DS8 affects drought sensitivity by influencing actin filament activity.

Identification of key modules and hub genes regulating drought stress response in rice drought sensitive line PY6 by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

“…Several QTLs for dehydration tolerance and avoidance in rice were cloned via map-based cloning. Moreover, a large number of QTLs for root growth (Lou et al 2015), osmotic pressure regulation (Lilley et al 1996), ROS regulation, and cuticular wax accumulation which may contribute to enhance drought resistance were mapped to different locations of rice genome (Huang et al 2019;Huang et al 2009). DRO1, one of the gene that has been well-characterized, involves in the regulation of rice root development under drought stress.…”

“…Loss function of DST increases stomatal closure, resulting in enhanced drought tolerance in rice (Huang et al 2009). In addition, DS8 participates in the synthesis of plant cuticular wax and in the regulation of stomatal movement in response to drought stress (Huang et al 2019). The studies of these genes indicated that intricate mechanisms are adopted in rice plants for the adaption of drought stress.…”

Weighted gene coexpression network analysis-based identification of key modules and hub genes associated with drought sensitivity in rice

“…A large number of QTLs for root growth [7], osmotic pressure regulation [8], ROS regulation, and cuticular wax accumulation, which contribute to enhanced drought resistance, have been mapped to different locations of the rice genome via map-based cloning [9][10][11]. DRO1, one of the genes that has been well characterized, is involved in the regulation of rice root development under drought stress.…”

Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis-Based Identification of Key Modules and Hub Genes that Regulate the Drought Stress Response in the Rice Drought-Sensitive Line PY6

“…cuticular wax accumulation, which may contribute to enhanced drought resistance, have been mapped to different locations of the rice genome [9,10]. DRO1, one of the genes that has been well characterized, is involved in the regulation of rice root development under drought stress.…”

“…Loss of DST function increases stomatal closure, resulting in enhanced drought tolerance in rice [10]. In addition, DS8 participates in the synthesis of plant cuticular wax and in the regulation of stomatal movement in response to drought stress [9]. Studies of these genes indicated that intricate mechanisms are employed by rice plants in the adaptation to drought stress.…”