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TaRIP2 Positively Regulates Wheat Pollen Wall Formation Through MYB80-Controlled Lipid Metabolism
Ran Han1,2,3,4,5,6, Aifeng Liu1,2,3,5,6, Guang Qi1,2,3,5,6
1Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|December 24, 2025
Summary
The gene TaRIP2 is crucial for wheat anther development and pollen formation. Its disruption affects lipid metabolism and pollen wall structure, impacting hybrid seed production.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lipids are vital for male reproductive organ structure in crops.
- Male-sterile genes are essential for hybrid seed production in monocots.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of the pollen-preferential gene TaRIP2 in wheat anther and pollen development.
- Elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TaRIP2 function.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create TaRIP2 mutants (rip2).
- RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis.
- Microscopy for anther and microspore morphology.
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) for differential gene expression.
- KEGG pathway analysis.
- Dual-luciferase and EMSA assays for gene regulation.
Main Results:
- TaRIP2 mutants (rip2) exhibited smaller, wilted anthers with defective cuticles and significantly reduced viable pollen (~5.7%).
- Mutant microspores showed smaller size, smooth exine lacking sculptural elements, and fewer organelles.
- RNA-seq revealed DEGs enriched in pollen wall formation, cutin, suberine, wax biosynthesis, and fatty acid degradation pathways.
- Elevated levels of fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, C18:2) were observed in rip2 anthers, coinciding with downregulated lipid metabolism genes.
- TaRIP2 was confirmed to be directly regulated by the transcription factor MYB80.
Conclusions:
- TaRIP2 is essential for wheat anther development and pollen formation, likely by regulating lipid metabolism.
- The MYB80-TaRIP2 regulatory pathway controls pollen wall formation through lipid metabolic pathways.
- Understanding TaRIP2 function provides insights into improving hybrid seed production in wheat.
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