Identification and characterization of NARROW AND ROLLED LEAF 1, a novel gene regulating leaf morphology and plant architecture in rice.
Leaf morphology is an important agronomic trait in rice breeding. We isolated three allelic mutants of NARROW AND ROLLED LEAF 1 (nrl1) which showed phenotypes of reduced leaf width and semi-rolled leaves and different degrees of dwarfism. Microscopic analysis indicated that the nrl1-1 mutant had fewer longitudinal veins and smaller adaxial bulliform cells compared with the wild-type. The NRL1 gene was mapped to the chromosome 12 and encodes the cellulose synthase-like protein D4 (OsCslD4). Sequence analyses revealed single base substitutions in the three allelic mutants. Genetic complementation and over-expression of the OsCslD4 gene confirmed the identity of NRL1. The gene was expressed in all tested organs of rice at the heading stage and expression level was higher in vigorously growing organs, such as roots, sheaths and panicles than in elsewhere. In the mutant leaves, however, the expression level was lower than that in the wild-type. We conclude that OsCslD4 encoded by NRL1 plays a critical role in leaf morphogenesis and vegetative development in rice.
State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 359 Tiyuchang Road, Hangzhou, China.
Jiang
J
Hu
Li
L
Zhu
Dali
D
Zeng
Zhenyu
Z
Gao
Longbiao
L
Guo
Yunxia
Y
Fang
Guangheng
G
Zhang
Guojun
G
Dong
Meixian
M
Yan
Jian
J
Liu
Qian
Q
Qian
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D032461:Chromosomes, Plant / Q000235:genetics; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D012275:Oryza / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D010802:Phylogeny; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D010940:Plant Proteins; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C478648:cellulose synthase