GmGLU1 and GmRR4 contribute to iron deficiency tolerance in soybean

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1295952
• Publication Date: 2024-02-27T05:00:21Z
• Authors: Daniel R. Kohlhase; Jamie A. O’Rourke; Michelle A. Graham
• Keywords: Candidate gene; Chlorosis; Synteny; Polygene

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a form of abiotic stress that negatively impacts soybean yield. In previous study, we demonstrated the historical IDC quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome Gm03 was composed four distinct linkage blocks, each containing candidate genes for tolerance. Here, take advantage virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to validate function three high-priority genes, corresponding different block in QTL. We built single-gene constructs target GmGLU1 ( GLUTAMATE SYNTHASE 1 , Glyma.03G128300), GmRR4 RESPONSE REGULATOR 4 Glyma.03G130000), and GmbHLH38 beta Helix Loop 38 Glyma.03G130400 Glyma.03G130600). Given polygenic nature iron tolerance trait, also silenced combination. two targeting + . All were tested iron-efficient genotype Clark grown iron-sufficient conditions. observed significant decreases soil plant analysis development (SPAD) measurements using construct both double constructs, with potential additive effects construct. Whole genome expression analyses (RNA-seq) revealed wide range affected processes including known responses, defense hormone signaling, photosynthesis, cell wall structure. These findings highlight importance responses provide evidence truly multiple within QTL contributing Finally, conducted BLAST demonstrate syntenic across broad species.