Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 73-84 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 73 Research Report Open Access DEP1 and Panicle Architecture: Influencing Rice Yield through Genetic Modulation Jiawei Li , Qiangsheng Qian, Yaodong Liu Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jiawei.li@cuixi.org Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0009 Received: 26 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 28 Mar., 2024 Published: 09 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li J.W., Qian Q.S., and Liu Y.D., 2024, DEP1 and panicle architecture: influencing rice yield through genetic modulation, Plant Gene and Trait, 15(2): 73-84 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0009) Abstract In recent years, with the rapid development of molecular biology and genomics, it has become possible to improve rice panicle architecture through gene regulation techniques, thereby enhancing yield. The DEP1 (Dense and Erect Panicle 1) gene, an important gene influencing rice panicle morphology and yield, provides new perspectives and approaches for rice genetic improvement. This study explores the functional mechanisms of the DEP1 gene, elucidates how it regulates rice panicle architecture, and assesses its impact on yield. Through case studies in molecular biology, genomics, and field trials, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the genetic variation, molecular mechanisms, and performance of the DEP1 gene under different environments. The research findings indicate that optimizing the DEP1 gene can significantly improve panicle architecture and increase yield. By unraveling the genetic regulatory network of the DEP1gene, this study not only contributes to understanding the genetic basis of rice panicle development but also offers new strategies and targets for rice molecular breeding. This is crucial for advancing rice breeding technology and ensuring global food security. Keywords Rice (Oryza sativaL.); DEP1gene; Gene regulation; Yield enhancement; Molecular breeding 1 Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, making its yield a critical factor in global food security. Among the various genetic and agronomic traits influencing rice yield, panicle architecture plays a pivotal role. The panicle, which is the flowering head of the rice plant, directly impacts the number of grains produced per plant (Zhu et al., 2013; Park et al., 2018; Sowmya et al., 2023). Recent advances in genetic research have identified several key genes that regulate panicle architecture, with the DENSE AND ERECT PANICLE 1 (DEP1) gene emerging as a significant contributor to yield enhancement (Piao et al., 2009). Panicle architecture, characterized by the morphology, number, and length of primary and secondary branches, is a crucial determinant of grain yield in rice. Variations in these traits can lead to significant differences in the number of grains per panicle and overall plant productivity. For instance, the dense and erect panicle (EP) phenotype, which is associated with a higher number of grains per panicle and improved lodging resistance, has been a target for rice breeding programs aiming to increase yield (Huang et al., 2009; Qiao et al., 2011; Xu et al., 2016). The EP phenotype not only enhances grain yield but also contributes to better nitrogen use efficiency and stress tolerance, making it a valuable trait for sustainable rice production (Xu et al., 2016; Zhao et al., 2019). The DEP1 gene, which encodes a G protein γ subunit, has been identified as a key regulator of panicle architecture in rice. The dominant allele of DEP1 results in a gain-of-function mutation that enhances meristematic activity, leading to a reduced length of the inflorescence internode and an increased number of grains per panicle (Huang et al., 2009). This mutation is common in many high-yielding rice varieties and has been widely utilized in rice breeding programs (Huang et al., 2009; Xu et al., 2016). Additionally, DEP1 is involved in regulating the carbon-nitrogen metabolic balance, which affects both grain yield and quality (Zhao et al., 2019). Variations in the DEP1 gene contribute to the diversity of panicle traits observed in different rice varieties, further underscoring its importance in rice genetics and breeding (Zhao et al., 2016).
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