The role of ASR (ABA, Stress, and Ripening) genes in responses to phosphate starvation in rice roots

• Silencing of ASR alters root architecture development in rice plants experiencing phosphate deprivation. • ASR silencing disrupts the molecular network of phosphate responses, interfering with cellular signaling pathways. • ASR may play a role in regulating phosphate responses by activating OsDAHPS1. Phosphorus (P) is a crucial macronutrient for plant growth and development, absorbed by plant roots as inorganic phosphate, which is frequently limited in soil. Plants use only 30 % of the total phosphate fertilizers applied to increase yield. Compared to other nutrients, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in phosphate homeostasis in crops, particularly in the early transcriptional responses to change the root system architecture remain underexplored. Addressing these knowledge gaps requires studies that offer insights into the role of transcription factors in response to endogenous and exogenous signals associated with the nutritional status of crops. ASR (ABA, Stress and Ripening) proteins function as molecular chaperones, transcription factors, and homeostasis sensors. They also regulate the development and response to stress in plants. Our results show that ASR genes play an important role in phosphate homeostasis in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) roots. Silencing of OsASR genes (OsASR-RNAi plants) delays development of adventitious and lateral roots, and alters the expression of genes associated with root development and the response to phosphate starvation. These findings suggest that OsASR play a role in regulating root system architecture, nutrient perception and signal transduction in rice plants.