Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
08:36
Development of Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes TILLING Populations in Small Grain Crops by Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis
Published on: July 16, 2019
12.2K
Natural Variation of TaSG-D1-TaWRKY53 Module Regulates Heading Date in Wheat
Xingyuan Xi1, Tong Zhu1, Guangxian Cui1
1Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|November 24, 2025
Summary
A genetic change in the TaSG-D1 gene delays wheat heading date by enhancing the TaWRKY53 protein
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Molecular biology
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Heading date is crucial for wheat adaptation and yield.
- Understanding heading date regulation is key to crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify genetic factors controlling wheat heading date.
- Investigate the molecular mechanism of heading date regulation.
- Analyze artificial selection on heading date genes in Chinese wheat.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis to identify mutations in TaSG-D1.
- Biochemical assays to study protein interactions and phosphorylation.
- Gene expression analysis of VRN2.
- Comparative analysis of TaWRKY53 in landraces and modern cultivars.
Main Results:
- An E286K substitution in TaSG-D1 delays heading by strengthening TaSG-D1 and TaWRKY53 interaction and enhancing TaWRKY53 phosphorylation.
- Phosphorylated TaWRKY53 increases transcriptional activation of VRN2.
- A premature stop codon in TaWRKY53, common in modern cultivars, impairs phosphorylation and VRN2 expression, accelerating heading.
- TaWRKY53 has undergone artificial selection in Chinese wheat breeding.
Conclusions:
- A TaSG-D1-TaWRKY53 module regulates wheat heading date.
- Genetic variants in this module contribute to wheat adaptation in China's double-cropping system.
