Resetting of a tandem microRNA156 enables vegetative perennial growth in rice - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #rice genetics
- #perennial growth
- #microRNA156
- Annual cultivated rice was domesticated from perennial wild rice, but the genetic mechanism of perennial growth is unclear.
- The study identified the Endless Branches and Tillers (EBT1) locus, which includes tandem microRNA156 genes (MIR156BC), responsible for floral reversion and vegetative propagation in wild rice.
- The wild rice allele EBT1W1943 shows higher chromatin accessibility and lower H3K27me3 levels, resetting MIR156BC expression in tiller buds compared to the cultivated allele.
- Researchers introgressed EBT1 with prostrate growth genes PROG1 and TIG1 to create recombinant lines with a strong perennial habit.
- The findings could lead to the development of sustainable perennial rice cultivars.