OsSCE1 Encoding SUMO E2-Conjugating Enzyme Involves in Drought Stress Response of Oryza sativa

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-conjugating enzymes are involved in post-translational regulatory processes in eukaryotes, including the conjugation of SUMO peptides to protein substrate (SUMOylation). SUMOylation plays an important role in improving plant tolerance to abiotic stress such as salt, drought, heat and cold. Herein, we reported the isolation of OsSCE1 (LOC_Os10g39120) gene encoding a SUMO-conjugating enzyme from rice (Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare) and its functional validation in response to drought stress. The E2 enzyme, OsSCE1, is one of three key enzymes involved in the conjugation of SUMO to its target proteins. Activated SUMO is transferred to the cysteine of an E2 enzyme and then to the target lysine residue of the substrate, with or without the help of an E3 SUMO ligase. Expression of OsSCE1 was strongly induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) treatment, which suggested OsSCE1 may be involved in the drought stress response. Overexpression of OsSCE1 (OsSCE1-OX) in Nipponbare reduced the tolerance to drought stress. Conversely, the drought tolerance was slightly improved by the knockdown of OsSCE1 (OsSCE1-KD). These results were further supported by measurement of proline content in OsSCE1-OX and OsSCE1-KD transgenic lines under induced drought stress, which showed OsSCE1-KD transgenic lines accumulated higher proline content than the wild type, whereas OsSCE1-OX line had lower proline content than the wild type. These findings suggested OsSCE1 may play a role as a negative regulator in response to drought stress in rice.