# Identification and functional characterization of a novel gene conferring root rot resistance in Panax Notoginseng

## TL;DR

Researchers identified a gene, PnRLCK1, that helps Panax notoginseng resist root rot, a disease that harms its growth and quality.

## Contribution

A novel receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase gene, PnRLCK1, was identified as a key contributor to root rot resistance in Panax notoginseng.

## Key findings

- RNA-seq and BSA-seq identified 3,022 differentially expressed genes in root rot-affected Panax notoginseng.
- PnRLCK1 silencing reduced resistance to Fusarium oxysporum, while its overexpression enhanced defense responses.
- PnRLCK1 is a candidate gene for improving root rot resistance in Panax notoginseng breeding programs.

## Abstract

Panax notoginseng is highly susceptible to root rot during cultivation, a disease that severely reduces yield and compromises quality, thereby constraining sustainable industry development. To identify candidate genes for root rot resistance, we compared diseased and healthy plants using an integrated RNA-seq and BSA-seq approach.

RNA-seq analysis identified 3,022 significantly differentially expressed genes, with 1,399 upregulated and 1,623 downregulated in diseased tissues. Integration with BSA-seq data pinpointed eight candidate resistance genes. Among these, the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase gene PnRLCK1 showed pronounced induction in samples infected with root rot. Functional studies revealed that RNA interference-mediated silencing of PnRLCK1 significantly compromised resistance to Fusarium oxysporum, while its transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana potentiated local defense responses.

Using an integrated RNA-seq and BSA-seq approach, this study identified an RLCK gene, PnRLCK1, associated with root rot resistance in P. notoginseng, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the molecular basis of root rot resistance and providing genetic resources for disease-resistant breeding.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-026-08239-w.