Integrative Transcriptomic and Biochemical Analysis Reveals Key HSP20/Alpha-Crystallin Genes Associated with Heat Tolerance in Rice.

This study presents a detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in heat stress tolerance in rice, focusing on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein processing pathway. Through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified differentially expressed genes in two rice varieties, BNP162 and BNP206, emphasizing the importance of ER quality control mechanisms in maintaining cellular balance during heat stress. We identified three novel genes, Os11g0244200, Os01g0135800, and Os04g0445100, belonging to the Hsp20/alpha crystallin family, which are upregulated in response to heat stress. These genes play essential roles in protein stabilization, folding, and preventing aggregation, critical functions for maintaining protein balance under stress conditions. The upregulation of these genes highlights their potential in enhancing thermotolerance, a key trait for rice cultivation in the face of global climate change challenges. Our findings suggest that these novel genes could be promising targets for genetic manipulation to enhance heat tolerance in rice, contributing to the development of heat-resistant rice varieties. This research provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat stress adaptation and lays a solid foundation for future studies aimed at improving crop resilience to environmental stress.