Oryza Tag Line, a phenotypic mutant database for the Génoplante rice insertion line library

To organize data resulting from the phenotypic characterization of a library of 30 000 T-DNA enhancer trap (ET) insertion lines of rice (Oryza sativa L cv. Nipponbare), we developed the Oryza Tag Line (OTL) database (http://urgi.versailles.inra.fr/OryzaTagLine/). OTL structure facilitates forward genetic search for specific phenotypes, putatively resulting from gene disruption, and/or for GUSA or GFP reporter gene expression patterns, reflecting ET-mediated endogenous gene detection. In the latest version, OTL gathers the detailed morpho-physiological alterations observed during field evaluation and specific screens in a first set of 13 928 lines. Detection of GUS or GFP activity in specific organ/tissues in a subset of the library is also provided. Search in OTL can be achieved through trait ontology category, organ and/or developmental stage, keywords, expression of reporter gene in specific organ/tissue as well as line identification number. OTL now contains the description of 9721 mutant phenotypic traits observed in 2636 lines and 1234 GUS or GFP expression patterns. Each insertion line is documented through a generic passport data including production records, seed stocks and FST information. 8004 and 6101 of the 13 928 lines are characterized by at least one T-DNA and one Tos17 FST, respectively that OTL links to the rice genome browser OryGenesDB

International Consortium of Rice Mutagenesis: Resources and beyond

Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. The rice community needs to cooperate and share efforts and resources so that we can understand the functions of rice genes, especially those with a role in important agronomical traits, for application in agricultural production. Mutation is a major source of genetic variation that can be used for studying gene function. We will present here the status of mutant collections affected in a random manner by physical/chemical and insertion mutageneses. As of early September 2013, a total of 447, 919 flanking sequence tags from rice mutant libraries with T-DNA, Ac/Ds, En/Spm, Tos17, nDART/aDART insertions have been collected and publicly available. From these, 336,262 sequences are precisely positioned on the japonica rice chromosomes, and 67.5% are in gene interval. We discuss the genome coverage and preference of the insertion, issues limiting the exchange and use of the current collections, as well as new and improved resources. We propose a call to renew all mutant populations as soon as possible. We also suggest that a common web portal should be established for ordering seeds. (Résumé d'auteur

A Critical Role of Sodium Flux via the Plasma Membrane Na+/H+Exchanger SOS1 in the Salt Tolerance of Rice

International audienc

Rice response to simultaneous biotic and abiotic stresses

With the predicted climate change and an ever-growing population there is increasing pressure to develop crop plants with improved stress responses, increased yield and high nutritive value. We have explored transcriptomic changes in the leaves and roots of rice plants (Oryza sativa japonica cv Nipponbare) in response to drought and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola. A glasshouse model was developed to mimic conditions experienced by rice plants in the field. The plant responses under simultaneous biotic and abiotic stress were dominated by the drought element accompanied by a unique set of genes that were only responsive to the simultaneous stress. Highlighted within this group were novel members of stress-responsive gene families for example cytochrome P450, wall-associated kinases, lipid transfer proteinlike proteins and new candidate genes that may play important roles in the response of rice to multiple stresses. The genes that were differentially regulated between the multiple and the drought stress treatment were explored using loss-of-function mutants. The loss-of-function mutant for peroxidase precursor gene (per) showed improved growth and yield compared to the wildtype Nipponbare plants. The experiments conducted in growth rooms were validated in a field study. Both Nipponbare rice plants, and the popular lowland indica rice cv IR64 were grown under prolonged vegetative drought stress accompanied by cyst nematode or root-knot nematode infection. Reduction of phytate, an anti-nutrient, has been adopted as a major strategy to improve the nutritional value of crop plants. Nematode susceptibility of low phytate Arabidopsis plants was studied to determine the effect of reduced phytate content on the plant’s defence response. The study has provided insight into the genome-wide transcriptional changes in rice under a combined biotic and abiotic stress. It has led to better understanding of the stress responses in plants that will be advantageous in developing crop varieties with improved yield and nutritive value