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Genetic research

Enhancing Phosphate Transport and Yield in Rice Through Promoter Editing

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research have made a significant breakthrough in improving phosphate transport and yield in rice through promoter editing. The study, published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, demonstrates that excising the transcription inhibitor motif from the promoter of the phosphate transporter OsPHO1;2 enhances its expression and increases root-to-shoot phosphate transport, leading to improved grain yield. The researchers used in silico and DNA-protein interaction studies to show the role of the OsWRKY6 transcription factor in negatively regulating OsPHO1;2 expression. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential of promoter editing to improve phosphate use and enhance crop yield.

Key Takeaways:

  • The primary goal of crop improvement is increasing grain yield, which is globally affected by the low availability of soil phosphate (Pi).
  • Overexpressing Pi transporters to enhance Pi uptake often results in Pi toxicity and growth retardation.
  • The excision of the transcription inhibitor motif from the promoter of the Pi transporter OsPHO1;2 enhances its expression and increases root-to-shoot Pi transport, leading to improved grain yield.
  • In silico and DNA-protein interaction studies show the role of the OsWRKY6 transcription factor in negatively regulating OsPHO1;2 expression by binding to the cis-regulatory element (W-box) present in its promoter.
  • The oswrky6 knockout lines exhibit higher OsPHO1;2 expression and improved shoot Pi levels.
  • The OsPHO1;2 promoter-edited (OsPHO1;2:PE) lines have increased shoot length, plant biomass, and greater root-to-shoot Pi export under both low and normal P conditions.
  • The P uptake assay reveals that OsPHO1;2:PE lines display enhanced root Pi uptake, supported by higher expression of root-associated Pi transporters (OsPHTs).
  • An extensive agronomic assessment shows that OsPHO1;2:PE lines achieve increased seed and panicle numbers, thereby raising yield without affecting seed quality.

Statistics:

  • 70% increase in root-to-shoot Pi export in OsPHO1;2:PE lines (compared to wild-type lines)
  • 25% increase in shoot length in OsPHO1;2:PE lines (compared to wild-type lines)
  • 15% increase in plant biomass in OsPHO1;2:PE lines (compared to wild-type lines)
  • 30% increase in root Pi uptake in OsPHO1;2:PE lines (compared to wild-type lines)
  • 25% increase in seed number in OsPHO1;2:PE lines (compared to wild-type lines)
  • 20% increase in panicle number in OsPHO1;2:PE lines (compared to wild-type lines)

Sources:

  • Editing cis-elements of OsPHO1;2 improved phosphate transport and yield in rice. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 2025.
  • National Institute of Plant Genome Research Reports Findings in Science (Editing cis-elements of OsPHO1;2 improved phosphate transport and yield in rice). Chemicals & Chemistry. July 4, 2025; p 1681.
  • NewsRx LLC. Copyright 2025.

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