提高作物氮利用效率在可持续农业发展中起到至关重要作用。作为包含多种生理及发育过程的复杂遗传性状，氮利用率分子遗传调控网络一直是国际研究难点和热点。本实验室前期研究鉴定到调节氮利用效率关键基因DEP1 (Dense and Erect Panicle 1)，但是其作用机理不是很清楚。本项目前期以DEP1为诱饵蛋白，通过酵母筛库获得其重要互作蛋白-蛋白激酶DIPK1（DEP1-Interacting Protein Kinase 1）。进一步实验发现DIPK1可以与氮转运蛋白NRT2.3a互作。基于已有研究基础，本项目下一步将利用分子遗传学、生物化学及细胞生物学等多种方法，围绕DEP1与DIPK1以及DIPK1与NRT2.3a的互作关系，开展探究三者可能关系及分子调控机制。通过本项目的实施，有望解析DEP1调节氮吸收机理，为水稻高氮利用率设计育种提供理论基础和重要基因资源。

Exploitation of crops with increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable agriculture. The molecular genetics network of NUE has always been a hot topic and an intractable program since NUE is a complex trait including physiological and developmental processes. Previously a key gene DEP1 (Dense and Erect Panicle 1) was identified in regulation of NUE, but, the mechanism is unclear. An important protein interacting with DEP1, DIPK1 (DEP1-Interacting Protein Kinase 1) was identified through yeast two-hybrid screening. Further experiment discovered that DIPK1 can interact with NRT2.3a. On the basis of existing research, this project will integrate molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology to elucidate the correlation and regulation network between DEP1, DIPK1 and NRT2.3a. Finally, the mechanism of regulation of nitrogen uptake will be further understood and it will be a tool and important resources for future strategies to improve NUE in rice.