Identification of functional pathways and key genes effective in response to nitrogen deficiency stress in rice

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.Sc. student Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

3 Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran- -BioGenTAC Inc., Technology incubator of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran-North Branch (ABRII), Rasht, Iran

4 Full Professor Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

Rice, as the primary food source for a large portion of the global population, holds significant strategic importance worldwide. Variations in the availability of elements such as nitrogen can greatly impact rice production. Nitrogen is crucial for rice growth, development, and performance by influencing various physiological and biochemical processes in plant cells. Considering the importance of the role of nitrogen, the aim of this research was to identify key genes, study biological pathways, and analyze important protein-protein interactions in rice under nitrogen deficiency stress. In this regard microarray expression data sets were extracted from the NCBI database, and differentially expressed genes between control and stress conditions were identified. Using DAVID online tools, the molecular functions, pathways, and biological processes related to these genes were investigated. Cytoscape software was used to construct a gene network, and ten key genes were identified. The study revealed that signaling pathways and amino acid production are prominently activated in the initial hours of nitrogen stress. Under nitrogen deficiency, the expression of genes involved in iron ion transport and amino acid biosynthesis significantly increases. The synthesis of iron ion transporters is crucial for photosynthesis in plant leaves, contributing to the balance and stability of photosynthetic products and leading to changes in the plant's morphological characteristics and performance. It is expected that these key genes can be used in breeding programs to deal with nitrogen deficiency stress.

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Main Subjects

References

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