Researchers Confer Resistance to Bacterial Blight in Rice Using CRISPR

Huazhong Agricultural University scientists reported a two-part control system that confers resistance to bacterial blight in rice. The findings are published in Molecular Plant Pathology.

When plants encounter abiotic or biotic stress, they rely on a specialized internal communication system, the MAPL signaling pathway, to protect themselves. Through this system, they combat challenges by regulating hydrogen peroxide, which they use to attack invading pathogens. However, the mechanism by which rice plants balance hydrogen peroxide during bacterial infection remains unclear. Thus, the researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to reveal this mechanism.

The research team discovered that a signaling protein (OsMAPK6) acts as a switch, modifying and deactivating a specific enzyme called OsCATA, which helps clear hydrogen peroxide. By modifying this enzyme, the plant turns off its hydrogen peroxide cleanup system. This allows the protective hydrogen peroxide to build up to toxic levels for the bacteria, successfully boosting the rice plant's natural defense and helping it combat the infection.

Read the open access article in Molecular Plant Pathology for more findings.