Genetic mechanisms involved in leaf functionality in rice

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H02955
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39010:Science in plant genetics and breeding-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Itoh Jun-ichi 東京大学, 大学院農学生命科学研究科(農学部), 准教授 (30345186)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: イネ / 発生 / トランスクリプトーム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Large-scale gene expression analysis was conducted to identify genes important for rice leaf functionality, and to determine which genes work where and when during rice leaf development. We extracted several genes that were predicted to be important for rice leaf functionality, and revealed the actual functions of the genes by genome editing. Those genes include novel genes such as leaf aerial tissue formation and stomatal differentiation, which are necessary for the healthy growth of rice plants. This study provides genetic insights into the functionality of rice leaves that have not been previously elucidated.

Free Research Field

植物発生育種学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

イネ科はイネやコムギ、トウモロコシといった主要穀物を含む農業上最も重要な植物分類群である。その優位性にはイネ科の葉が持つ特殊な形態と機能性が深く関わっていると考えられるが、どのような遺伝子の働きによって実現しているのかについての知見はほとんど得られていない。本研究で得られたイネやイネ科の葉の形態形成に特異的な遺伝子は、葉形態の遺伝的イノベーションに関する知見と共に、今後のイネ科作物の葉の緻密な制御による分子育種に役立てることが可能であると考えられる。