The plant growth-promoting bacteria, Azospirillum brasilense, induce a diverse array of genes in rice shoots and promote their growth

Plant growth-promoting bacteria like Azospirillum brasilense can benefit non-legume crops such as rice and corn by improving their growth and yield. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate these significant plant-microbe interactions. Some recent studies have identified gene expression changes in plant roots during these associations. But very few studies have focused on the gene expression changes in shoot tissues during these associations. Using an experimental setup from an earlier study, we show that A. brasilense could improve rice growth, including shoot mass, seven days post-inoculation. Next, we identified the underlying gene expression changes in rice shoots during this association. We identified 1245 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in rice shoots and validated the expression of some genes. Several DEGs identified encode proteins involved in defense, hormone signaling, photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and cell cycle regulation. We also identified numerous genes encoding protein kinases, transcription factors, and transporters. Next, we compared these DEGs to those identified in rice shoots during interactions with Sinorhizobium meliloti and identified some common DEGs involved in cell cycle regulation and growth. Overall, this study provides further insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating rice-Azospirillum interactions and has identified excellent targets for future genetic studies.

Automated summary

This study provides further insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating rice-Azospirillum interactions and has identified excellent targets for future genetic studies.