Research Status of Functional Genes Related to Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice

doi:10.11923/j.issn.2095-4050.cjas2024-0104

Abstract

Abstract:

This study explores the genetic basis and related functional genes of rice nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), highlighting the overuse of nitrogen fertilizers and summarizing the pertinent genes. NUE traits are divided into physiological traits (such as nitrogen uptake) and agronomic traits (such as tiller number) to elucidate key genes beneficial for nitrogen absorption. In physiological traits, genes affecting the absorption of NH₄⁺ and NO₃^- in rice are summarized. The absorption of NH₄⁺ in rice is primarily controlled by the AMT superfamily of proteins, whereas the proteins involved in NO₃^- transport mainly fall into two categories: NRT1 and NRT2, such as overexpression of genes like OsAMT1.1 and OsNRT1.1B can increase rice's nitrogen uptake. In agronomic traits, transcription factors such as GRF4 and NGR5 regulate the expression of nitrogen metabolism genes, promoting tiller development and grain growth, thus enhancing nitrogen use efficiency. These findings provide new genetic resources for rice breeding, promising the development of high NUE and environmentally friendly new varieties.

Key words: rice, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), genetic basis, genes, functional genes, AMT superfamily proteins, NRT1/NRT2, physiological character, agronomic character

ZHANG Hu, WU Yue’e, DUAN Haiyan. Research Status of Functional Genes Related to Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice[J]. Journal of Agriculture, 2025, 15(8): 6-12.

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