OsABCG26 Vital in Anther Cuticle and Pollen Exine Formation in Rice

Wax, cutin, and sporopollenin are vital in the formation of the anther cuticle and the pollen exine. Their precursors are produced by secretory tapetal cells and transported to the anther and microspore surface. Zhenyi Chang of the Shenzhen Institute of Molecular Crop Design, together with researchers from various institutions in China characterized a rice male sterile mutant osabcg26, to study the mechanisms involved in the formation of anther cuticle and pollen exine in rice.

Analysis of the mutant revealed a point mutation in the gene encoding an ATP binding cassette transporter G26 (OsABCG26), which was expressed in the anther and pistil. Further analysis revealed defects in tapetal cells, pollen exine, and anther cuticle in the osabcg26 mutant.

Expression of some key genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport were also significantly altered in the mutant's anther. Furthermore, cross-pollination with wildtype pollen revealed a growth defect in osabcg26 pistils, leading to low seed set. These results indicate that the OsABCG26 gene plays an important role in anther cuticle and pollen exine formation and pollen-pistil interactions in rice.

For more information, read the full article in Plant Science.