CRISPR Makes Rice More Resilient to Bacterial Leaf Streak

Guangxi University researchers and partners successfully used gene editing in a rice gene, which conferred resistance to bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) in rice. Their findings are published in The Plant Journal.

Special proteins called transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) from Xanthomonas can turn on host susceptibility genes leading to infection. However, there is limited information available about the role of Xoc TALEs in increasing bacterial virulence. Thus, the research team studied the role of TALE called Tal10a in Xoc infection.

The researchers used computational prediction and gene expression analysis and found that Tal10a unlocks a gene called OsHXK5. This gene makes an enzyme that helps the rice plant use sugar. Unfortunately, when OsHXK5 is turned on by Tal10a, it weakens the rice plant's defenses, making it easier for the bacteria to win. With this finding, the researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the OsHXK5 so it cannot be turned on by Tal10a. This made the rice plants much more resistant to the bacteria.

The results of the study suggest that OsHXK5 could be a potential target for developing rice varieties with resistance to bacterial leaf streak.

Download the research article from The Plant Journal.