Genome-wide association studies identify OsWRKY53 as a key regulator of salt tolerance in rice

Jun Yu, Chengsong Zhu, Wei Xuan, Hongzhou An, Yunlu Tian, Baoxiang Wang, Wenchao Chi, Gaoming Chen, Yuwei Ge, Jin Li, Zhaoyang Dai, Yan Liu, Zhiguang Sun, Dayong Xu, Chunming Wang () and Jianmin Wan ()
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Jun Yu: Nanjing Agricultural University
Chengsong Zhu: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre
Wei Xuan: Nanjing Agricultural University
Hongzhou An: Nanjing Agricultural University
Yunlu Tian: Nanjing Agricultural University
Baoxiang Wang: Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Science
Wenchao Chi: Nanjing Agricultural University
Gaoming Chen: Nanjing Agricultural University
Yuwei Ge: Nanjing Agricultural University
Jin Li: Nanjing Agricultural University
Zhaoyang Dai: Nanjing Agricultural University
Yan Liu: Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Science
Zhiguang Sun: Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Science
Dayong Xu: Lianyungang Academy of Agricultural Science
Chunming Wang: Nanjing Agricultural University
Jianmin Wan: Nanjing Agricultural University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Salinity stress progressively reduces plant growth and productivity, while plant has developed complex signaling pathways to confront salt stress. However, only a few genetic variants have been identified to mediate salt tolerance in the major crop rice, and the molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we identify ten candidate genes associated with salt-tolerance (ST) traits by performing a genome-wide association analysis in rice landraces. We characterize two ST-related genes, encoding transcriptional factor OsWRKY53 and Mitogen-activated protein Kinase Kinase OsMKK10.2, that mediate root Na+ flux and Na+ homeostasis. We further find that OsWRKY53 acts as a negative modulator regulating expression of OsMKK10.2 in promoting ion homeostasis. Furthermore, OsWRKY53 trans-represses OsHKT1;5 (high-affinity K+ transporter 1;5), encoding a sodium transport protein in roots. We show that the OsWRKY53-OsMKK10.2 and OsWRKY53-OsHKT1;5 module coordinate defenses against ionic stress. The results shed light on the regulatory mechanisms underlying plant salt tolerance.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39167-0

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