The OsmiR396c-OsGRF4-OsGIF1 regulatory module determines grain size and yield in rice.
Grain weight is the most important component of rice yield and is mainly determined by grain size, which is generally controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Although numerous QTLs that regulate grain weight have been identified, the genetic network that controls grain size remains unclear. Herein, we report the cloning and functional analysis of a dominant QTL, grain length and width 2 (GLW2), which positively regulates grain weight by simultaneously increasing grain length and width. The GLW2 locus encodes OsGRF4 (growth-regulating factor 4) and is regulated by the microRNA miR396c in vivo. The mutation in OsGRF4 perturbs the OsmiR396 target regulation of OsGRF4, generating a larger grain size and enhanced grain yield. We also demonstrate that OsGIF1 (GRF-interacting factors 1) directly interacts with OsGRF4, and increasing its expression improves grain size. Our results suggest that the miR396c-OsGRF4-OsGIF1 regulatory module plays an important role in grain size determination and holds implications for rice yield improvement.
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Shuangcheng
S
Li
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Fengyan
F
Gao
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Kailong
K
Xie
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Xiuhong
X
Zeng
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Ye
Y
Cao
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Jing
J
Zeng
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Zhongshan
Z
He
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Yun
Y
Ren
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
Wenbo
W
Li
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Qiming
Q
Deng
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Shiquan
S
Wang
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Aiping
A
Zheng
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Jun
J
Zhu
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Huainian
H
Liu
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Lingxia
L
Wang
Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China. liping6575@163.com.|State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China. liping6575@163.com.
Ping
P
Li
D002523:Edible Grain / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D009154:Mutation; D012275:Oryza / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci / Q000235:genetics
D010940:Plant Proteins
GRF-interacting factors; grain size; growth-regulating factor; miR396; rice