Biomedical subjects

Humira Sonah

Publications and source records attributed to Humira Sonah.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Establishment of a CRISPR-Cas9 Library for Indica Rice and Identification of OsOPR5 (LOC_Os06g11210) as a Regulator of Root Architecture.

Functional characterization of a large number of rice genes remains a major challenge despite the availability of genome sequences and large-scale transcriptomic datasets. CRISPR-Cas9 library is a powerful approach for high-throughput targeted mutagenesis; however, its application in indica rice cultivars remains limited due to low transformation and regeneration efficiencies. In this study, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 library targeting 12,000 rice genes and evaluated its utility for functional genomics in the indica cultivar MTU-1010. Sanger sequencing and NGS analysis of the plasmid library revealed high sgRNA coverage and more than 80% accuracy. Transformation of the developed library into the indica cultivar MTU-1010 resulted in a high target editing efficiency, with 90% of analyzed transgenic plants carrying mutations at the intended target site. Functional analysis of one homozygous mutant identified a previously uncharacterized role for OsOPR5 (LOC_Os06g11210), a member of the 12-oxophytodienoate reductase family in root architecture. The opr5 mutants exhibited significant reductions in lateral root number, seminal and crown root number, and root length, demonstrating that OsOPR5 positively regulates root system architecture in rice. Notably, endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine levels were not significantly altered in the mutant, suggesting potential functional specialization or redundancy among rice OPR family members for JA accumulation. The root system architecture is a key determinant of water and nutrient acquisition; our results suggest that OsOPR5 may play an important role in adaptation under adverse environmental conditions. Collectively, this study establishes an efficient genome-editing platform for indica rice and identifies OsOPR5 as a novel regulator of root development.

Oryza↗

PubMed2025

Cell-type-specific response to silicon treatment in soybean leaves revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing and targeted gene editing.

Mineral nutrient uptake and deposition profoundly influence plant development, stress resilience, and productivity. Silicon (Si), though classified as a non-essential element, significantly influences a plant's physiology, particularly in fortifying defense responses and mitigating stress. While the genetic and molecular mechanisms of Si uptake and transport are well studied in monocots, particularly rice, their role in dicot species, such as soybean, remains unclear at the cellular and molecular levels. In this study, we utilized single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to dissect cellular responses to Si accumulation in soybean leaves. We identified distinct cellular populations, including a unique Si-induced or Si-associated cell cluster within vascular cells, suggesting a specialized mechanism of Si distribution. Si treatment notably induced the expression of defense-related genes, with a pronounced enrichment in vascular cells, underscoring their pivotal role in activating plant defense mechanisms. Moreover, Si modulated the expression of genes involved in phytoalexin biosynthesis, salicylic acid, and immune receptor signaling, suggesting transcriptional priming of genes involved in defense responses. Further investigation of Si transporters revealed precise expression of an Si efflux gene in epidermal cells in response to Si treatment. We also validated the role of efflux Si transporters using a Xenopus oocyte assay and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of composite soybean plant roots. This study provides critical insights into the biotic stress regulatory networks influenced by Si treatment in soybean leaves at the single-cell level, thus laying the foundation for enhancing stress tolerance through optimized mineral nutrient uptake.

Glycine max↗