Transcription Factor OsNF-YC12 Positively Regulates <i>Meloidogyne graminicola</i> Resistance in Rice through <i>OsSRZ22</i> Activation

Globally, rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>) is one of the most important food crops, but its production is threatened by root-knot nematodes (<i>Meloidogyne graminicola</i>). Although NF-YC transcription factors play important roles in plant growth and development, their involvement in disease resistance has been poorly characterized. In this study, transcriptome analysis revealed that transcription factor OsNF-YC12 was upregulated upon treatment with nematode PAMP (Ascr#18). <i>OsNF-YC12</i> expression was induced by Ascr#18, nematodes, and jasmonic acid (JA), predominantly in roots. Functional studies demonstrated that overexpression of <i>OsNF-YC12</i> significantly reduced nematode infection and gall formation, whereas knockout lines exhibited increased susceptibility. OsNF-YC12 enhanced immunity by activating the defense genes and promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, OsNF-YC12 directly bound to and activated the promoter of <i>OsSRZ22</i>, and overexpression of <i>OsSRZ22</i> similarly conferred significant nematode resistance. This study establishes for the first time the crucial roles of OsNF-YC12 and its target <i>OsSRZ22</i> in rice nematode resistance, providing valuable genetic resources for breeding resistant varieties.