Biotech Updates

Influence of FUWA genes in Rice's Agronomic Traits

June 10, 2015

Findings of the researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Nanjing Agricultural University, together with researchers from Max Planck Institute, reveal that FUWA gene alters rice's panicle architecture, grain shape, and weight. FUWA gene is an evolutionary conserved gene that encodes a NHL domain containing protein, with a preferential expression in meristem of root, shoot apex and inflorescence, where it restricts cell division.

Aside from the function of the gene causing the said alterations, the results of the sequence analysis and genetic transformation confirmed the role of FUWA gene in panicle architecture and grain development. The analysis shows that the FUWA genes become fixed in landraces and modern cultivars of rice during domestication and breeding. Genetic transformation of rice by knocking-down the FUWA transcription levels through RNA interference results to the development of erect panicle and increased grain size in indica and japonica rice varieties. These results will help in further improving rice's agronomic traits.

Details of their study can be read at The Plant Journal.