Overexpression of the lectin receptor-like kinase gene OsLecRK-S.7 inhibits plant growth and enhances disease resistance in rice

Lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRKs) are a critical class of plant proteins that play essential roles in plant development as well as in responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses . In this study, we found that overexpression of the L -type Lectin receptor kinase gene OsLecRK-S.7 severely inhibits plant growth and triggers spontaneous cell death. Meanwhile, immune responses, including pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, were elevated in OsLecRK-S.7 overexpressing plants. Kinase inactivation experiments demonstrated that kinase activity was essential for OsLecRK-S.7-mediated constitutive immunity. Infection assays further demonstrated that overexpression of OsLecRK-S.7 enhances rice resistance to bacterial blight. Additionally, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and pull-down experiments identified interactions between OsLecRK-S.7 and receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) OsRLCK118, OsRLCK185, and OsRLCK107 that are involved in immune signaling. These findings suggest that OsLecRK-S.7 is a significant regulator of plant immunity , likely promoting cell death and immune responses through its interactions with OsRLCK118, OsRLCK185, and OsRLCK107. • Overexpression of OsLecRK-S.7 severely inhibits plant growth and triggers spontaneous cell death. • The kinase activity of OsLecRK-S.7 is indispensable for its role in constitutive immunity. • Overexpression of OsLecRK-S.7 confers enhanced resistance to bacterial blight in rice. • OsLecRK-S.7 interacts with key immune signaling proteins, OsRLCK118, OsRLCK185, and OsRLCK107.