Editorial

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4 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality

by Jinsong Bao and Jian-Hong Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813687 - 05 Sep 2023

Viewed by 766

Abstract

Cereals such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

Research

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9 pages, 18176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Creation of Two-Line Fragrant Glutinous Hybrid Rice by Editing the Wx and OsBADH2 Genes via the CRISPR/Cas9 System

by Yahong Tian, Yin Zhou, Guanjun Gao, Qinglu Zhang, Yanhua Li, Guangming Lou and Yuqing He

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010849 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1819

Abstract

Global food security has benefited from the development and promotion of the two-line hybrid rice system. Excellent eating quality determines the market competitiveness of hybrid rice varieties based on achieving the fundamental requirements of high yield and good adaptability. Developing sterile and restorer [...] Read more.

Global food security has benefited from the development and promotion of the two-line hybrid rice system. Excellent eating quality determines the market competitiveness of hybrid rice varieties based on achieving the fundamental requirements of high yield and good adaptability. Developing sterile and restorer lines with improved quality for two-line hybrid breeding by editing quality genes with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 is an efficient and practical alternative to the lengthy and laborious process of conventional breeding to improve rice quality. We edited Wx and OsBADH2 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to produce both homozygous male sterile mutant lines and homozygous restorer mutant lines with Cas9-free. These mutants have a much lower amylose content while having a significantly higher 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline aroma content. Based on this, a fragrant glutinous hybrid rice was developed without too much effect on most agronomic traits. This study demonstrates the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in creating two-line fragrant glutinous hybrid rice by editing the components of the male sterile and the restorative lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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15 pages, 7537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loss of Function of the RRMF Domain in OsROS1a Causes Sterility in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

by Jian-Hong Xu, Faiza Irshad, Yan Yan and Chao Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911349 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

For crop seed production, the development of anthers and male fertility are the main agronomic traits and key biological processes for flowering plants. Active DNA demethylation regulates many plant developmental processes and is ensured by 5-meC DNA glycosylase enzymes. To find out the [...] Read more.

For crop seed production, the development of anthers and male fertility are the main agronomic traits and key biological processes for flowering plants. Active DNA demethylation regulates many plant developmental processes and is ensured by 5-meC DNA glycosylase enzymes. To find out the role of OsROS1a, OsROS1a gene editing mutants were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The osros1a mutants had shrink spikelets, smaller anthers and pollen grains, and were not stained by iodine staining showing a significant reduction in total soluble sugar and starch contents as compared to wildtype (WT), which caused complete male sterility. Similarly, the expression of genes involved in pollen and anther development was decreased in osros1a mutants as compared to WT. Furthermore, bisulfite sequencing showed that the CG and CHG methylation of the OsPKS2 gene promoter was significantly increased in the osros1a mutant, which caused a reduced expression of OsPKS2 in osros1a mutants. DNA methylation of the TDR gene promoter was similar between WT and osros1a mutants, indicating that the DNA methylation effect by OsROS1a was gene specific. The expression of OsROS1a in the mutants was not changed, but it produced a frame-shift mutation to truncate the Pem-CXXC and RRMF domains. Combined with previous studies, our findings suggested that the RRMF domain in OsROS1a is the functional domain and loss of RRMF for OsROS1a causes sterility in rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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19 pages, 8798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization and SNP-Based Molecular Marker Development of Two Novel High Molecular Weight Glutenin Genes from Triticum spelta L.

by Yuemei Cao, Junwei Zhang, Ruomei Wang, Haocheng Sun and Yueming Yan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911104 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1357

Abstract

Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L., 2n=6x=42, AABBDD) is a valuable source of new gene resources for wheat genetic improvement. In the present study, two novel high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) 1Ax2.1* at Glu-A1 and 1By19* at Glu-B1 from German spelt wheat [...] Read more.

Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L., 2n=6x=42, AABBDD) is a valuable source of new gene resources for wheat genetic improvement. In the present study, two novel high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) 1Ax2.1* at Glu-A1 and 1By19* at Glu-B1 from German spelt wheat were identified. The encoding genes of both subunits were amplified and cloned by allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR), and the complete sequences of open reading frames (ORF) were obtained. 1Ax2.1* with 2478 bp and 1By19* with 2163 bp encoded 824 and 720 amino acid residues, respectively. Molecular characterization showed that both subunits had a longer repetitive region, and high percentage of α-helices at the N- and C-termini, which are beneficial for forming superior gluten macropolymers. Protein modelling by AlphaFold2 revealed similar three-diamensional (3D) structure features of 1Ax2.1* with two x-type superior quality subunits (1Ax1 and 1Ax2*) and 1By19* with four y-type superior quality subunits (1By16, 1By9, 1By8 and 1By18). Four cysteine residues in the three x-type subunits (1Ax2.1*, 1Ax1 and 1Ax2*) and the cysteine in intermediate repeat region of y-type subunits were not expected to participate in intramolecular disulfide bond formation, but these cysteines might form intermolecular disulfide bonds with other glutenins and gliadins to enhance gluten macropolymer formation. The SNP-based molecular markers for 1Ax2.1* and 1By19* genes were developed, which were verified in different F2 populations and recombination inbred lines (RILs) derived from crossing between spelt wheat and bread wheat cultivars. This study provides data on new glutenin genes and molecular markers for wheat quality improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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20 pages, 3880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Heading Date on the Starch Structure and Grain Yield of Rice Lines with Low Gelatinization Temperature

by Naoko Crofts, Kaito Hareyama, Satoko Miura, Yuko Hosaka, Naoko F. Oitome and Naoko Fujita

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10783; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810783 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1908

Abstract

Early flowering trait is essential for rice cultivars grown at high latitude since delayed flowering leads to seed development at low temperature, which decreases yield. However, early flowering at high temperature promotes the formation of chalky seeds with low apparent amylose content and [...] Read more.

Early flowering trait is essential for rice cultivars grown at high latitude since delayed flowering leads to seed development at low temperature, which decreases yield. However, early flowering at high temperature promotes the formation of chalky seeds with low apparent amylose content and high starch gelatinization temperature, thus affecting grain quality. Deletion of starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) shows inverse effects of high temperature, and the ss2a mutant shows higher apparent amylose content and lower gelatinization temperature. Heading date 1 (Hd1) is the major regulator of flowering time, and a nonfunctional hd1 allele is required for early flowering. To understand the relationship among heading date, starch properties, and yield, we generated and characterized near-isogenic rice lines with ss2a Hd1, ss2a Hd1 hd1, and ss2a hd1 genotypes. The ss2a Hd1 line showed the highest plant biomass; however, its grain yield varied by year. The ss2a Hd1 hd1 showed higher total grain weight than ss2a hd1. The ss2a hd1 line produced the lowest number of premature seeds and showed higher gelatinization temperature and lower apparent amylose content than ss2a Hd1. These results highlight Hd1 as the candidate gene for developing high-yielding rice cultivars with the desired starch structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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23 pages, 6873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Change in Starch Biosynthetic Enzymes Complexes during Grain-Filling Stages in BEIIb Active and Deficient Rice

by Yining Ying, Feifei Xu, Zhongwei Zhang, Piengtawan Tappiban and Jinsong Bao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810714 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1766 | Correction

Abstract

Starch is the predominant reserve in rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperm, which is synthesized by the coordinated efforts of a series of starch biosynthetic-related enzymes in the form of a multiple enzyme complex. Whether the enzyme complex changes during seed development is [...] Read more.

Starch is the predominant reserve in rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperm, which is synthesized by the coordinated efforts of a series of starch biosynthetic-related enzymes in the form of a multiple enzyme complex. Whether the enzyme complex changes during seed development is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the dynamic change in multi-protein complexes in an indica rice variety IR36 (wild type, WT) and its BEIIb-deficient mutant (be2b) at different developmental stages. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Western blotting analysis of soluble protein fractions revealed most of the enzymes except for SSIVb were eluted in smaller molecular weight fractions at the early developing stage and were transferred to higher molecular weight fractions at the later stage in both WT and be2b. Accordingly, protein interactions were enhanced during seed development as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation analysis, suggesting that the enzymes were recruited to form larger protein complexes during starch biosynthesis. The converse elution pattern from GPC of SSIVb may be attributed to its vital role in the initiation step of starch synthesis. The number of protein complexes was markedly decreased in be2b at all development stages. Although SSIVb could partially compensate for the role of BEIIb in protein complex formation, it was hard to form a larger protein complex containing over five proteins in be2b. In addition, other proteins such as PPDKA and PPDKB were possibly present in the multi-enzyme complexes by proteomic analyses of high molecular weight fractions separated from GPC. Two putative protein kinases were found to be potentially associated with starch biosynthetic enzymes. Collectively, our findings unraveled a dynamic change in the protein complex during seed development, and potential roles of BEIIb in starch biosynthesis via various protein complex formations, which enables a deeper understanding of the complex mechanism of starch biosynthesis in rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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14 pages, 4233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Soft Rice Lines by Regulating Amylose Content via Editing the 5′UTR of the Wx Gene

by Jinlian Yang, Xinying Guo, Xuan Wang, Yaoyu Fang, Fang Liu, Baoxiang Qin and Rongbai Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810517 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

The type of soft rice with low amylose content (AC) is more and more favored by consumers for its better eating and cooking quality, as people’s quality of life continuously improves in China. The Wx gene regulates the AC of rice grains, thus [...] Read more.

The type of soft rice with low amylose content (AC) is more and more favored by consumers for its better eating and cooking quality, as people’s quality of life continuously improves in China. The Wx gene regulates the AC of rice grains, thus affecting the degree of softness of the rice. Mei Meng B (MMB), Tian Kang B (TKB), and DR462 are three indica rice maintained lines with good morphological characters, but also with undesirably high AC. Therefore, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to edit the Wx gene of these lines to create a batch of soft rice breeding materials. New gene-edited lines MMB-10-2, TKB-21-12, and DR462-9-9, derived from the above parental lines, respectively, were selected in the T₂ generations, with an AC of 17.2%, 16.8%, and 17.8%, and gel consistency (GC) of 78.6 mm, 77.4 mm, and 79.6 mm, respectively. The rapid viscosity analysis (RVA) spectrum showed that the three edited lines had a better eating quality as compared to the corresponding wild type, and showing new characteristics, different from the high-quality soft rice popular in the market. There was no significant difference in the main agronomic traits in the three edited lines compared to the corresponding wild types. Moreover, the chalkiness of DR462-9-9 was reduced, resulting in an improved appearance of its polished rice. The present study created soft rice germplasms for breeding improved quality hybrid rice, without changing the excellent traits of their corresponding wild type varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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17 pages, 3754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of a Fragrant Japonica Rice Cultivar ‘Changxianggeng 1813’ Provides Insights into Genomic Variations between Fragrant and Non-Fragrant Japonica Rice

by Ruisen Lu, Jia Liu, Xuegang Wang, Zhao Song, Xiangdong Ji, Naiwei Li, Gang Ma and Xiaoqin Sun

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179705 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

East Asia has an abundant resource of fragrant japonica rice that is gaining increasing interest among both consumers and producers. However, genomic resources and in particular complete genome sequences currently available for the breeding of fragrant japonica rice are still scarce. Here, integrating [...] Read more.

East Asia has an abundant resource of fragrant japonica rice that is gaining increasing interest among both consumers and producers. However, genomic resources and in particular complete genome sequences currently available for the breeding of fragrant japonica rice are still scarce. Here, integrating Nanopore long-read sequencing, Illumina short-read sequencing, and Hi-C methods, we presented a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly (~378.78 Mb) for a new fragrant japonica cultivar ‘Changxianggeng 1813’, with 31,671 predicated protein-coding genes. Based on the annotated genome sequence, we demonstrated that it was the badh2-E2 type of deletion (a 7-bp deletion in the second exon) that caused fragrance in ‘Changxianggeng 1813’. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that multiple gene families involved in the abiotic stress response were expanded in the ‘Changxianggeng 1813’ genome, which further supported the previous finding that no generalized loss of abiotic stress tolerance associated with the fragrance phenotype. Although the ‘Changxianggeng 1813’ genome showed high genomic synteny with the genome of the non-fragrant japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare, a total of 289,970 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 96,093 small insertion-deletion polymorphisms (InDels), and 8690 large structure variants (SVs, >1000 bp) were identified between them. Together, these genomic resources will be valuable for elucidating the mechanisms underlying economically important traits and have wide-ranging implications for genomics-assisted breeding in fragrant japonica rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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23 pages, 5136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GLW7.1, a Strong Functional Allele of Ghd7, Enhances Grain Size in Rice

by Rongjia Liu, Qinfei Feng, Pingbo Li, Guangming Lou, Guowei Chen, Haichao Jiang, Guanjun Gao, Qinglu Zhang, Jinghua Xiao, Xianghua Li, Lizhong Xiong and Yuqing He

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158715 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2143

Abstract

Grain size is a key determinant of both grain weight and grain quality. Here, we report the map-based cloning of a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL), GLW7.1 (Grain Length, Width and Weight 7.1), which encodes the CCT motif family protein, [...] Read more.

Grain size is a key determinant of both grain weight and grain quality. Here, we report the map-based cloning of a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL), GLW7.1 (Grain Length, Width and Weight 7.1), which encodes the CCT motif family protein, GHD7. The QTL is located in a 53 kb deletion fragment in the cultivar Jin23B, compared with the cultivar CR071. Scanning electron microscopy analysis and expression analysis revealed that GLW7.1 promotes the transcription of several cell division and expansion genes, further resulting in a larger cell size and increased cell number, and finally enhancing the grain size as well as grain weight. GLW7.1 could also increase endogenous GA content by up-regulating the expression of GA biosynthesis genes. Yeast two-hybrid assays and split firefly luciferase complementation assays revealed the interactions of GHD7 with seven grain-size-related proteins and the rice DELLA protein SLR1. Haplotype analysis and transcription activation assay revealed the effect of six amino acid substitutions on GHD7 activation activity. Additionally, the NIL with GLW7.1 showed reduced chalkiness and improved cooking and eating quality. These findings provide a new insight into the role of Ghd7 and confirm the great potential of the GLW7.1 allele in simultaneously improving grain yield and quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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15 pages, 3611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Storage Temperature on Indica-Japonica Hybrid Rice Metabolites, Analyzed Using Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

by Lin Zhu, Yu Tian, Jiangang Ling, Xue Gong, Jing Sun and Litao Tong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(13), 7421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23137421 - 04 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1628

Abstract

The Yongyou series of indica-japonica hybrid rice has excellent production potential and storage performance. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of its storage resistance. In this study, Yongyou 1540 rice (Oryza sativa cv. yongyou 1540) was stored at different [...] Read more.

The Yongyou series of indica-japonica hybrid rice has excellent production potential and storage performance. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of its storage resistance. In this study, Yongyou 1540 rice (Oryza sativa cv. yongyou 1540) was stored at different temperatures, and the storability was validated though measuring nutritional components and apparent change. In addition, a broad-targeted metabolomic approach coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to analyze the metabolite changes. The study found that under high temperature storage conditions (35 °C), Yongyou 1540 was not significantly worse in terms of fatty acid value, whiteness value, and changes in electron microscope profile. A total of 19 key differential metabolites were screened, and lipid metabolites related to palmitoleic acid were found to affect the aging of rice. At the same time, two substances, guanosine 3′,5′-cyclophosphate and pipecolic acid, were beneficial to enhance the resistance of rice under harsh storage conditions, thereby delaying the deterioration of its quality and maintaining its quality. Significant regulation of galactose metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, butyrate metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism pathways were probably responsible for the good storage capacity of Yongyou 1540. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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15 pages, 4132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Function of DNA Demethylase Gene ROS1a Null Mutant on Seed Development in Rice (Oryza Sativa) Using the CRISPR/CAS9 System

by Faiza Irshad, Chao Li, Hao-Yu Wu, Yan Yan and Jian-Hong Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126357 - 07 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1914

Abstract

The endosperm is the main nutrient source in cereals for humans, as it is a highly specialized storage organ for starch, lipids, and proteins, and plays an essential role in seed growth and development. Active DNA demethylation regulates plant developmental processes and is [...] Read more.

The endosperm is the main nutrient source in cereals for humans, as it is a highly specialized storage organ for starch, lipids, and proteins, and plays an essential role in seed growth and development. Active DNA demethylation regulates plant developmental processes and is ensured by cytosine methylation (5-meC) DNA glycosylase enzymes. To find out the role of OsROS1a in seed development, the null mutant of OsROS1a was generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The null mutant of OsROS1a was stable and heritable, which affects the major agronomic traits, particularly in rice seeds. The null mutant of OsROS1a showed longer and narrower grains, and seeds were deformed containing an underdeveloped and less-starch-producing endosperm with slightly irregularly shaped embryos. In contrast to the transparent grains of the wild type, the grains of the null mutant of OsROS1a were slightly opaque and rounded starch granules, with uneven shapes, sizes, and surfaces. A total of 723 differential expression genes (DEGs) were detected in the null mutant of OsROS1a by RNA-Seq, of which 290 were downregulated and 433 were upregulated. The gene ontology (GO) terms with the top 20 enrichment factors were visualized for cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions. The key genes that are enriched for these GO terms include starch synthesis genes (OsSSIIa and OsSSIIIa) and cellulose synthesis genes (CESA2, CESA3, CESA6, and CESA8). Genes encoding polysaccharides and glutelin were found to be downregulated in the mutant endosperm. The glutelins were further verified by SDS-PAGE, suggesting that glutelin genes could be involved in the null mutant of OsROS1a seed phenotype and OsROS1a could have the key role in the regulation of glutelins. Furthermore, 378 differentially alternative splicing (AS) genes were identified in the null mutant of OsROS1a, suggesting that the OsROS1a gene has an impact on AS events. Our findings indicated that the function on rice endosperm development in the null mutant of OsROS1a could be influenced through regulating gene expression and AS, which could provide the base to properly understand the molecular mechanism related to the OsROS1a gene in the regulation of rice seed development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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15 pages, 4380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelic Diversification of the Wx and ALK Loci in Indica Restorer Lines and Their Utilisation in Hybrid Rice Breeding in China over the Last 50 Years

by Li-Xu Pan, Zhi-Zhong Sun, Chang-Quan Zhang, Bu Li, Qing-Qing Yang, Fei Chen, Xiao-Lei Fan, Dong-Sheng Zhao, Qi-Ming Lv, Ding-Yang Yuan and Qiao-Quan Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 5941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23115941 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1469

Abstract

Hybrid rice technology has been used for more than 50 years, and eating and cooking quality (ECQ) has been a major focus throughout this period. Waxy (Wx) and alkaline denaturation (ALK) genes have received attention owing to their pivotal [...] Read more.

Hybrid rice technology has been used for more than 50 years, and eating and cooking quality (ECQ) has been a major focus throughout this period. Waxy (Wx) and alkaline denaturation (ALK) genes have received attention owing to their pivotal roles in determining rice characteristics. However, despite significant effort, the ECQ of restorer lines (RLs) has changed very little. By contrast, obvious changes have been seen in inbred rice varieties (IRVs), and the ECQ of IRVs is influenced by Wx, which reduces the proportion of Wx^a and increases the proportion of Wx^b, leading to a decrease in amylose content (AC) and an increase in ECQ. Meanwhile, ALK is not selected in the same way. We investigated Wx alleles and AC values of sterile lines of female parents with the main mating combinations in widely used areas. The results show that almost all sterile lines were Wx^a-type with a high AC, which may explain the low ECQ of hybrid rice. Analysis of hybrid rice varieties and RLs in the last 5 years revealed serious homogenisation among hybrid rice varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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Review

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19 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physiology and Molecular Breeding in Sustaining Wheat Grain Setting and Quality under Spring Cold Stress

by Hui Su, Cheng Tan, Yonghua Liu, Xiang Chen, Xinrui Li, Ashley Jones, Yulei Zhu and Youhong Song

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 14099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214099 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

Spring cold stress (SCS) compromises the reproductive growth of wheat, being a major constraint in achieving high grain yield and quality in winter wheat. To sustain wheat productivity in SCS conditions, breeding cultivars conferring cold tolerance is key. In this review, we examine [...] Read more.

Spring cold stress (SCS) compromises the reproductive growth of wheat, being a major constraint in achieving high grain yield and quality in winter wheat. To sustain wheat productivity in SCS conditions, breeding cultivars conferring cold tolerance is key. In this review, we examine how grain setting and quality traits are affected by SCS, which may occur at the pre-anthesis stage. We have investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in floret and spikelet SCS tolerance. It includes the protective enzymes scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), hormonal adjustment, and carbohydrate metabolism. Lastly, we explored quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate SCS for identifying candidate genes for breeding. The existing cultivars for SCS tolerance were primarily bred on agronomic and morphophysiological traits and lacked in molecular investigations. Therefore, breeding novel wheat cultivars based on QTLs and associated genes underlying the fundamental resistance mechanism is urgently needed to sustain grain setting and quality under SCS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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15 pages, 2747 KiB

Open AccessReview

mRNA Localization to the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Plant Endosperm Cells

by Laining Zhang, Qidong Si, Kejie Yang, Wenwei Zhang, Thomas W. Okita and Li Tian

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113511 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

Subcellular mRNA localization is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to spatially and temporally drive local translation and, in turn, protein targeting. Hence, this mechanism achieves precise control of gene expression and establishes functional and structural networks during cell growth and development as well as [...] Read more.

Subcellular mRNA localization is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to spatially and temporally drive local translation and, in turn, protein targeting. Hence, this mechanism achieves precise control of gene expression and establishes functional and structural networks during cell growth and development as well as during stimuli response. Since its discovery in ascidian eggs, mRNA localization has been extensively studied in animal and yeast cells. Although our knowledge of subcellular mRNA localization in plant cells lags considerably behind other biological systems, mRNA localization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has also been well established since its discovery in cereal endosperm cells in the early 1990s. Storage protein mRNA targeting to distinct subdomains of the ER determines efficient accumulation of the corresponding proteins in different endosomal storage sites and, in turn, underlies storage organelle biogenesis in cereal grains. The targeting process requires the presence of RNA localization elements, also called zipcodes, and specific RNA-binding proteins that recognize and bind these zipcodes and recruit other factors to mediate active transport. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms and functions of mRNA localization to the ER in plant cells and address directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research for Cereal Grain Quality)

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