Genetic and Molecular Factors Determining Grain Weight in Rice
Ke Chen, Andrzej Łyskowski, Łukasz Jaremko* and Mariusz Jaremko*
Frontiers in plant science
Abstract
Grain weight is one of the major factors determining single plant yield production ofrice and other cereal crops. Research has begun to reveal the regulatory mechanismsunderlying grain weight as well as grain size, highlighting the importance of this researchfor plant molecular biology. The developmental trait of grain weight is affected by multiplemolecular and genetic aspects that lead to dynamic changes in cell division, expansionand differentiation. Additionally, several important biological pathways contribute to grainweight, such as ubiquitination, phytohormones, G-proteins, photosynthesis, epigeneticmodifications and microRNAs. Our review integrates early and more recent findings, andprovides future perspectives for how a more complete understanding of grain weightcan optimize strategies for improving yield production. It is surprising that the acquiredwealth of knowledge has not revealed more insights into the underlying molecularmechanisms. To accelerating molecular breeding of rice and other cereals is becomingan emergent and critical task for agronomists. Lastly, we highlighted the importanceof leveraging gene editing technologies as well as structural studies for future ricebreeding applications.
Keywords:rice, grain weight, grain size, regulatory mechanisms, molecular biotechnology
