我国科学家发现调控水稻抽穗期的关键基因

Core Insights - The research team led by academician Wan Jianmin has identified a new gene, ELD1, that specifically regulates the heading date of rice under long-day conditions, which is crucial for breeding high-yield, high-quality, and widely adaptable rice varieties [1][2] - The study reveals that the ELD1 gene can significantly promote heading without causing obvious agronomic defects, indicating its potential for molecular breeding applications [2] Group 1: Gene Discovery and Mechanism - The ELD1 gene regulates the mRNA splicing of the core biological clock gene OsCCA1, affecting the heading date of rice [1] - The research indicates that shorter light exposure leads to faster heading and earlier maturity in rice [1] - ELD1 interacts with OsNKAP protein and multiple core mRNA splicing factors, influencing the splicing of thousands of genes across the genome [1] Group 2: Implications for Breeding - The study provides a new mechanism for understanding how light signals regulate the heading date of rice, which is significant for molecular breeding [2] - The team utilized base editing technology to create targeted mutations in key amino acids of ELD1, resulting in new early-heading germplasm for high-quality rice varieties such as Ningjing 7 and Ningjing 4 [2] - This research offers important genetic resources and theoretical support for addressing the late maturity issues in hybrid rice breeding [2]