ZjBZR2, a BES/BZR Transcription Factor from Zoysia japonica, Positively Regulates Leaf Angle and Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Rice

Qianqian Zuo, Jingjin Yu, Qiuguo Li, Tian Hao and Zhimin Yang ()
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Qianqian Zuo: College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Jingjin Yu: College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Qiuguo Li: College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Tian Hao: College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Zhimin Yang: College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-16

Abstract: The BRI1-EMS suppressor/Brassinazole-resistant (BES/BZR) transcription factors (TFs) act as regulators of the Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway and play key roles in modulating plant growth, development, and abiotic stress tolerance. However, the function of BES/BZR TFs remains unknown in warm-season turfgrass species. In this study, ZjBZR2, a BES/BZR TF in Zoysia japonica was identified and shared the closest evolutionary relationship with OsBZR2 from Oryza sativa . ZjBZR2 was a nuclear-localized protein and had transcriptional activation activity. ZjBZR2 was predominantly expressed in roots, stems, and lamina joints, and could be significantly induced by BR treatment and osmotic stresses including PEG and salinity. ZjBZR2 -overexpressing rice lines increased leaf angle compared with wild-type plants. Furthermore, overexpression of ZjBZR2 enhanced osmotic stress (PEG and salt) tolerance which is associated with the upregulation of stress-responsive and ROS-scavenging genes. These findings provide the first functional characterization of ZjBZR2 in rice and offer excellent genetic resources for the improvement of turfgrass cultivars.

Keywords: Zoysia japonica; ZjBZR2; leaf angle; osmotic stresses tolerance; transgenic rice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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