Scientists Pinpoint a Genetic 'Manager' That Controls Rice Plant Height
Source PublicationPlant Physiology
Primary AuthorsXu, An, Wang et al.
In the complex biological organisation of plants, scientists have pinpointed a key genetic director for stem growth in rice. Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, a team investigated a family of plant-specific genes called GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORs (GRFs).
They discovered that mutating one member, OsGRF11, resulted in a pronounced semi-dwarf plant characterised by fewer and shorter cells. The research revealed that OsGRF11 is essential for the plant to properly sense gibberellin (GA), a critical growth hormone. The OsGRF11 protein doesn’t act alone; it forms a complex with other proteins, including GF14e, to interact with the GA signalling pathway.
When OsGRF11 is faulty, the expression of genes responsible for cell expansion and division plummets, and the plant becomes insensitive to GA’s growth commands. This work suggests OsGRF11 orchestrates stem length by mediating the plant’s hormonal communication network.