Low-cesium rice: mutation in OsSOS2 reduces radiocesium in rice grains

Sci Rep. 2017 May 25;7(1):2432. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02243-9.

Abstract

In Japan, radiocesium contamination in foods has become of great concern and it is a primary issue to reduce grain radiocesium concentration in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Here, we report a low-cesium rice mutant 1 (lcs1) with the radiocesium concentration in grain about half that in the wild-type cultivar. Genetic analyses revealed that a mutation in OsSOS2, which encodes a serine/threonine-protein kinase required for the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway in plants, is responsible for the decreased cesium (Cs) concentrations in lcs1. Physiological analyses showed that Cs+ uptake by lcs1 roots was significantly decreased under low-potassium (K+) conditions in the presence of sodium (Na+) (low K+/Na+). The transcript levels of several K+ and Na+ transporter genes, such as OsHAK1, OsHAK5, OsAKT1, and OsHKT2;1 were significantly down-regulated in lcs1 grown at low K+/Na+. The decreased Cs+ uptake in lcs1 might be closely related to the lower expression of these genes due to the K+/Na+ imbalance in the lcs1 roots caused by the OsSOS2 mutation. Since the lcs1 plant had no significant negative effects on agronomic traits when grown in radiocesium-contaminated paddy fields, this mutant could be used directly in agriculture for reducing radiocesium in rice grains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cation Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Cesium / analysis*
  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genetic Loci
  • Mutation*
  • Oryza / chemistry*
  • Oryza / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Sodium / metabolism
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis

Substances

  • Cation Transport Proteins
  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Cesium
  • Sodium
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases