Yiwen Deng, Zuhua He

Stress Biol.; 2023 Jul 7; 3(1):22. doi: 10.1007/s44154-023-00102-4.

Abstract

This brief article highlights the key findings of the study conducted by Sha et al. (Nature, doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06205-2, 2023), focusing on the cloning of the RBL1 gene from rice, which is associated with lesion mimic mutant (LMM) traits. The RBL1 gene encodes a cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) synthase and plays a crucial role in regulating cell death and immunity by controlling phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis. The rbl1 mutant shows autoimmunity with multi-pathogen resistance but with severe yield penalty. Using genome editing techniques, the research team successfully generated an elite allele of RBL1 that not only restores rice yield but also provides broad-spectrum resistance against both bacterial and fungal pathogens. These findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing genome editing to enhance crop productivity and pathogen resistance.

See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37676404/

Fig. 1 Role of phospholipids in M. oryzae-rice interactions. BIC, biotrophic interfacial complex; EIHM, extra-invasive hyphal membrane; PA, phosphatidic acid; PI, phosphatidylinositol; PI(4,5)P₂, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate; PM, plasma membrane; ROS, reactive oxygen species.