The transcribed centromeric gene OsMRPL15 is essential for pollen development in rice
En Xie1,2, Jiawei Chen2, Bingxin Wang2
1College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in rice revealed that knocking out the Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L15 (OsMRPL15) gene in centromeric regions causes male gametophyte sterility due to disrupted mitochondrial function.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Molecular biology
- Reproductive biology
Background:
- Centromeres contain repetitive DNA, hindering gene study.
- Active genes in centromeres have poorly understood functions due to low recombination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein L15 (OsMRPL15) gene in rice centromeric regions.
- To explore the impact of OsMRPL15 knockout on male gametophyte development and fertility.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to knock out the OsMRPL15 gene in rice (Oryza sativa).
- Analyzed pollen viability, mitochondrial structure, and molecular changes in knockout mutants.
Main Results:
- OsMRPL15 knockout resulted in complete gametophyte male sterility.
- Mutant pollen showed disrupted mitochondrial structure, absent starch granules, and abnormal mitoribosome accumulation.
- Defective mitochondrial protein biosynthesis and altered metabolic pathways were observed.
Conclusions:
- OsMRPL15 is essential for rice male gametophyte development and fertility.
- Defects in mitoribosome biogenesis lead to gametophyte male sterility.
- This study highlights the importance of centromeric genes in plant reproduction.
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