Plant Gene and Traits 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 141-151 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 141 Feature Review Open Access Genomic Insights into Grain Size and Weight: The GS2 Gene’s Role in Rice Yield Improvement Yumin Huang School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China Corresponding email: hym@xmu.edu.cn Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0015 Received: 06 May, 2024 Accepted: 11 Jun, 2024 Published: 20 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang, 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: Huang Y.M., 2024, Genomic insights into grain size and weight: the GS2 gene’s role in rice yield improvement, Plant Gene and Trait, 15(3): 141-151 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0015) Abstract Grain type and weight are key factors determining rice yield and quality, affecting agricultural productivity and market value. The genetic basis of these traits is very complex, and the GS2 gene is considered an important contributor. This study aims to explore the role of GS2 gene in improving rice yield, identify and characterize GS2 gene, elucidate its mechanism of action in rice development, and study its evolutionary perspective in different rice varieties. This study includes the genetic regulation of grain type and weight by GS2, phenotypic variations caused by GS2 mutations, and interactions between GS2 and other yield related genes. Through case studies, GS2 gene modification experiments were analyzed, highlighting successful cases in field applications and comparing them with non GS2 improved rice varieties. We also reviewed the latest technological advancements in genetic engineering, CRISPR, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics tools related to GS2 research. In addition, this study discussed breeding strategies that combine GS2 research, including traditional breeding programs and molecular marker assisted selection, evaluated the impact of GS2 research on rice agriculture, and emphasized its significance for yield improvement and global food security. Finally, the future directions of rice genetic research were outlined, emphasizing the potential for new discoveries, collaborative efforts, and emerging technologies. This study emphasizes the importance of the GS2 gene in improving rice yield and provides recommendations for future research and application. Keywords GS2gene; Rice yield; Grain size; Genetic regulation; CRISPR technology 1 Introduction Grain size and weight are critical determinants of rice yield and quality, influencing both the economic value and nutritional content of the crop. Larger grains generally contribute to higher yield, which is a primary goal in rice breeding programs aimed at meeting the food demands of a growing global population (Hu et al., 2015). Additionally, grain size affects the milling quality and market preferences, with different regions favoring specific grain shapes and sizes (Duan et al., 2017). Therefore, understanding the genetic factors that control these traits is essential for developing high-yield, high-quality rice varieties. The genetic basis of grain size and weight in rice involves multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes, among which the GS2 gene has emerged as a significant player. GS2, located on chromosome (Li et al., 2011), encodes the Growth-Regulating Factor 4 (OsGRF4), a transcriptional regulator that influences cell size and number, thereby affecting grain weight and yield1. A rare allele of GS2, which results in elevated expression due to a mutation in the microRNA binding site, has been shown to enhance grain size and yield significantly1. Other genes such as GS3, GS5, and GW6 also contribute to grain size regulation, but GS2’s role as a dominant QTL makes it a focal point for genetic studies and breeding programs (Fan et al., 2006). This study aims to consolidate current knowledge on the GS2gene and its impact on rice grain size and yield. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which GS2 regulates grain size and weight; compares the effects of GS2 with other known grain size-related genes such as GS3, GS5, and GW6; explores the potential applications of GS2 in rice breeding programs aimed at yield improvement. By achieving these objectives, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of GS2’s role in rice yield enhancement, offering valuable insights for future research and breeding strategies.
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