The gene network that regulates salt tolerance in rice

Abstract

Rice is one of the glycophytes and its yield and grain quality is threatened by salinity. During the past decades, great progresses have been made on molecular mechanisms of rice dealing with salt stress. Taking advantage of genetics, transcriptome studies, and forward genetics, hundreds of genes involved in salt tolerance or salt stress response have been identified. According to their functions, these genes could be divided into at least three types: signaling components, transcriptional factors, and downstream functional molecules including transporters, enzymes for compatible solute synthesis, and ROS scavengers. Based on these knowledges and those obtained from Arabidopsis thaliana, this review summarizes these findings and tries to draw a rough picture of the gene networks controlling salt tolerance of rice.