Genome editing enables defense-yield balance in rice

This brief article highlights the key findings of the study conducted by Sha et al.(Nature,doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06205-2,2023),focusing on the cloning of the RBL1 gene from rice,which is associated with lesion mimic mutant(LMM)traits.The RBL1 gene encodes a cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol(CDP-DAG)synthase and plays a crucial role in regulating cell death and immunity by controlling phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis.The rbl1 mutant shows autoimmunity with multi-pathogen resistance but with severe yield penalty.Using genome editing techniques,the research team successfully generated an elite allele of RBL1 that not only restores rice yield but also provides broad-spectrum resistance against both bacterial and fungal pathogens.These findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing genome editing to enhance crop productivity and pathogen resistance.