Stress associated protein (SAP) genes were discovered to be regulated by
multiple abiotic stresses including cold, desiccation, salt, submergence,
heavy metals, abscisic acid, and wounding. Furthermore, 18 of these SAP
genes were identified in rice genome (OsSAPs). Researchers now test these 18
genes to get insights into their potential role in biotic stress tolerance.

Expression patterns of the 18 OsSAP genes were analyzed after the rice
plants' exposure to different biotic stresses. Results showed the
upregulation of OsSAP1 and OsSAP11 in all biotic stress treatments. The
function of OsSAP1 in plant defense responses was further explored by
overexpressing the gene in transgenic tobacco plants. This resulted in
enhanced disease resistance against a virulent bacterial pathogen as well as
upregulation of other known defense-related genes.

Results suggest that OsSAPs respond to multiple biotic stresses and OsSAP1
plays a key role in basal resistance against pathogen infection. This makes
them ideal candidate to design strategies for protecting crop plants against
multiple stresses.

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