The MYB-related transcription factor RADIALIS-LIKE3 (OsRL3) functions in ABA-induced leaf senescence and salt sensitivity in rice

Abstract In higher plants, abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and ABA signaling are associated with seed germination, leaf senescence, and abiotic stress tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that the MYB-related transcription factor Oryza sativa RADIALIS-LIKE3 (OsRL3) promotes dark-induced leaf senescence and reduces susceptibility to salt stress in rice. OsRL3 expression was upregulated in detached leaves under dark-induced senescence conditions and in seedlings under salt-stress conditions. In the dark, osrl3 null mutants exhibited a stay-green phenotype, with increased chlorophyll retention and photosynthetic capacity. RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that, compared with wild type (WT), the expression levels of chlorophyll-degradation and senescence-associated genes were lower in osrl3 mutants; this was likely responsible for their stay-green phenotype. Under salt stress, proline levels were lower in osrl3 mutants than WT due to the reduced expression of proline biosynthesis genes, thereby leading to hypersensitivity to salt stress. Among phytohormones, OsRL3 expression was induced by only ABA, and osrl3 mutants were less sensitive to exogenous ABA treatment than WT. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that ABA signaling genes were downregulated in osrl3 mutants under both dark and salt-stress treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that OsRL3 promotes leaf senescence and delays the salt-stress response via ABA signaling pathways.