Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) have been implicated in the toxic reduction and
intracellular concentration regulation of hydrogen peroxide. In Arabidopsis
thaliana, the At2-CysPrxB gene is essential in maintaining the water-water
cycle for proper hydrogen peroxide scavenging.



While 2-Cys Prxs have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, the
function of 2-Cys Prxs in rice is unclear. Xiaohui Mao from Fujian
Agriculture and Forestry University in China led a team of researchers to
investigate the rice homologue of At2-CysPrxB, OsPRX2, and its effect on
Potassium deficiency tolerance in rice.



Analysis found that OsPRX2 was localized in the chloroplast. Overexpression
of OsPRX2 caused enhanced potassium-deficiency tolerance, whereas
CRISPR-knockout of OsPRX2 lead to serious defects in leaves and stomatal
opening under the potassium- deficient conditions.



These results confirm the OsPRX2 is a potential target for engineering
plants with improved tolerance to potassium deficiency.



[www.sciencedirect.com]