Rice transcription factor bHLH25 confers resistance to multiple diseases by sensing H2O2

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a ubiquitous signal regulating many biological processes, including innate immunity, in all eukaryotes. However, it remains largely unknown that how transcription factors directly sense H 2 O 2 in eukaryotes. Here, we report that rice basic/helix-loop-helix transcription factor bHLH25 directly senses H 2 O 2 to confer resistance to multiple diseases caused by fungi or bacteria. Upon pathogen attack, rice plants increase the production of H 2 O 2 , which directly oxidizes bHLH25 at methionine 256 in the nucleus. Oxidized bHLH25 represses miR397b expression to activate lignin biosynthesis for plant cell wall reinforcement, preventing pathogens from penetrating plant…

• OS
  Ohio State University
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 32425005, 32072043, 32072407, 32121003, 32072041
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
• SA
  Sichuan Agricultural University
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province

  Awards: 2023NSFSC0005, 2024NSFJQ0007
• NC
  National Cancer Institute