A team of researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and University of Illinois has developed transgenic rice that promises to generate high yields even under conditions of high salinity, high temperature and drought.
The scientists observed that Pokkali, a wild rice variety, Pokkali, that grows in coastal regions of Kerala is able to survive and thrive in highly saline environment. It emerged that it had very high level of a gene, OsIF.
The OsIF gene encodes a protein in rice for cell components called intermediate filaments (IFs). These filaments protect cells from external forces, besides participating in cell adhesion and tissue integrity.
Besides OsIF, the researchers have identified and functionally validated over one dozen stress responsive genes from the plant. The study has shown unique involvement of intermediate filaments in cellular protection against abiotic stress in rice.