The Analysis of Short-Term Differential Expression of Transcription Factor Family Genes in Diploid and Tetraploid Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties during Blast Fungus Infection

Abstract

The necessity to understand plant adaptations to environmental stressors is underscored by the role of polyploidy in species evolution. This study focuses on the superior stress resistance exhibited by autotetraploid rice, which arises from chromosome doubling, in comparison to its diploid donor. We provide a quantitative analysis that highlights the differing susceptibilities of diploid (GFD-2X) and autotetraploid (GFD-4X) rice to rice blast disease, with GFD-2X being significantly more susceptible. Our investigation centers on transcription factors (TFs), which are crucial in regulating biological stress responses, by analyzing their expression in the face of a pathogen attack. This study uncovers variations in the number and expression timing of differentially expressed TF genes, providing a quantitative view of GFD-4X’s resistance. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses confirm the role of specific pathways, including “response to stimulus” and the “MAPK signaling pathway,” in resistance mechanisms. An extensive analysis of protein–protein interaction networks further clarifies the complex role of TFs during stress responses. The rationale for our experimental approach is rooted in the imperative to decipher the molecular basis of disease resistance across different ploidies, which has implications for crop enhancement. The conclusion from our research is that autotetraploid rice has a unique and more effective defense response regulation system, facilitated by transcription factors, when faced with rice blast disease. This finding provides a foundation for future genetic strategies aimed at improving crop resistance.