title: Can heterotrimeric G proteins help to feed the world?
abstract: Recently, two important yield quantitative trait loci (QTLs), GS3 and DEP1, have been cloned in rice (Oryza sativa). Although their relationship has not been established in the 'rice literature', a recent report identified them as heterotrimeric G protein γ subunits. This identification has profound consequences for our current understanding of both QTLs and the plant G protein signaling network and this opinion article discusses how manipulation of G protein signaling may lead to yield improvements in rice and other crop species. Finally, a mechanistic model to explain the seemingly conflicting phenotypes produced by different GS3 and DEP1 alleles is proposed.
authors: Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia. j.botella@uq.edu.au
authors: José Ramón
authors: JR
authors: Botella
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D017343:Genes, Plant; D020962:Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D012275:Oryza / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D010641:Phenotype; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D012639:Seeds / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D010940:Plant Proteins; D020962:Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins