Bridging fundamental knowledge and novel technology to increase rice heat tolerance

Project Information

CRISPit

Grant agreement ID: 101086293

DOI

10.3030/101086293

EC signature date 9 September 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 588 800,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CRISPit (Bridging fundamental knowledge and novel technology to increase rice heat tolerance)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Seeds are the link between the end of the reproductive cycle of adult plants and the establishment of their next generation. Seeds are the means through which plants can adapt to climatic changes. Feeding the ever-growing population is a major challenge, especially in light of rapidly changing climate conditions. Genome editing is set to transform plant breeding and help secure the global food supply. Advances in genome editing technologies provide new opportunities for crop improvement by employing precision genome engineering for targeted crop traits.
This proposal, which addresses critical stages of the reproductive development, integrates several approaches to comprehensively investigate sexual reproduction in Rice under heat stress (HS) conditions with the aim of using the novel knowledge generated to improve rice production. The model plant system, Arabidopsis thaliana, will be used as proof of concept, to generate quick knowledge that can be readily translated into concrete outcomes in rice, species of high importance to the European agricultural sector.
CRISPit main goal is to understand the mechanisms that regulate heat stress tolerance during the reproductive process in rice. CRISPit proposes to obtain and fully characterize mutants from chosen genes, in order to deliver rice HS lines produced by CRISPR technology.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

So far, we have identified several key genetic players involved in plant reproduction and heat stress tolerance in both rice and Arabidopsis. Functional analyses of these genes have been conducted to better understand their roles in reproductive processes under high temperatures. We successfully generated CRISPR-edited rice lines for at least two selected genes, which will undergo further analysis in the coming year.
Partners have conducted complementary analyses to investigate the effects of heat stress on plants. In Arabidopsis, ovules were examined, revealing changes in key growth-regulating pathways. In rice, reanalysis of previously published data highlighted several pathways significantly affected by heat stress. These findings provided crucial insights into the reproductive responses of rice to heat, with a focus on factors regulating developmental signals. To validate these discoveries, expression analyses were conducted, and ongoing transcriptomic studies are now being expanded to include different rice varieties.
To strengthen the research efforts, the CRISPit consortium has established new collaborations with the Japanese National Institute of Genetics (NIG), further enhancing the project’s global reach and capacity. These advancements mark significant progress toward achieving the project's goal of generating heat-tolerant rice varieties, supporting agricultural resilience in Europe and beyond.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

CRISPit has made significant improvements in advancing our understanding of how heat stress impacts the reproductive development of rice, paving the way for the creation of heat-tolerant varieties. By combining advanced genome editing technologies with transcriptomic analyses, the project has developed a comprehensive framework for identifying and targeting key genetic factors involved in reproductive resilience to heat stress.
A significant result of the project is the generation of CRISPR-edited rice lines with a focus on genes involved in reproductive processes under heat stress conditions. This work advances the application of precision genome editing in rice breeding by targeting reproductive traits that are crucial for heat tolerance. These lines will serve as valuable resources for further research and validation studies aimed at enhancing crop resilience, contributing to ongoing efforts toward climate-smart agriculture.
Additionally, CRISPit has delivered insights into the molecular changes occurring in reproductive tissues under heat stress. Comparative studies in both rice and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have highlighted changes in key regulatory pathways, contributing to a better understanding of how plant reproductive development adapts to stressful environmental conditions. The reanalysis of previously published RNA-seq data, along with ongoing transcriptomic studies, has further expanded the knowledge base on heat stress responses in rice.
The tools and knowledge generated by CRISPit contribute to ongoing efforts to improve the resilience of rice production in Europe and other regions facing rising temperatures. Besides, the project has advanced understanding of reproductive biology and heat stress responses, providing valuable leads for future plant breeding efforts. The inclusion of the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) in Japan as a key partner has strengthened the consortium and expanded access to new research opportunities.
To maximize the project's outcomes and impact, several key actions have been identified:
- Further Research & Validation: Continued functional and phenotypic characterization of the CRISPR rice lines under controlled and field-like conditions to confirm their heat stress responses.
- Policy and Regulatory Support: Supportive frameworks for the acceptance of genome-edited crops in Europe, along with strategies for intellectual property protection, will be essential to promote uptake.
CRISPit has made meaningful contributions toward understanding heat stress tolerance in rice and lays the foundation for further innovation in sustainable rice production under changing climatic conditions.

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