February 13, 2025

JIRCAS has developed a new method for analyzing plant gene expression that allows RNA preservation without the need for cryogenic agents such as liquid nitrogen or dry ice, which are often unavailable in developing regions.

Plants express traits such as stress resistance and morphology based on RNA transcribed from genomic DNA. RNA analysis is therefore essential for identifying the mechanisms underlying stress responses and crop yield improvements. However, RNA is highly unstable, and conventional gene expression analysis requires immediate freezing — a major hurdle in field research conducted in developing areas.

To address this issue, JIRCAS developed an infiltration method, which introduces an RNA stabilization solution into the intercellular spaces of plant leaf tissues, allowing stable preservation of RNA at ambient temperatures without freezing. This method was successfully applied in rice fields in Madagascar, where RNA from rice leaves was analyzed, enabling researchers to identify the physiological causes of poor plant growth.

In addition, the team developed a transport technique that binds extracted RNA to silica membranes, maintaining stability during shipment without the use of cryogens. These innovations make RNA sequencing and other genomic analyses feasible in resource-limited settings.

The outcomes of this research are expected to significantly advance molecular research in field-grown plants, especially in developing countries. This includes deeper understanding of nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and stress responses, ultimately accelerating the development of resilient and high-yielding crop varieties suited for challenging environments.

The outcomes of this research are expected to significantly advance molecular research in field-grown plants, especially in developing countries. This includes deeper understanding of nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and stress responses, ultimately accelerating the development of resilient and high-yielding crop varieties suited for challenging environments.

The research results were published online in the international peer-reviewed journal Plant Methods on December 19, 2024 (JST).

Related Information

Funding

Operational Expenses Grant Project: “Development of resilient crops and production technologies”

Author

UEDA Yoshiaki

Paper Title

Development of an infiltration-based RNA preservation method for cryogen-free storage of leaves for gene expression analyses in field-grown plants

Journal Title

Plant Methods
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-024-01311-2

JIRCAS President: KOYAMA Osamu

Program Director:

FUJITA Yasunari

Research Staff:

UEDA Yoshiaki (Crop, Environment and Livestock Division)

Press Coordinator:

OMORI Keisuke (Head Information and Public Relations Office)
Email: koho-jircas@ml.affrc.go.jp