Core Viewpoint - The discovery of a key gene regulating the heading date of rice is significant for breeding high-yield, high-quality, and widely adaptable rice varieties [1][2] Group 1: Gene Discovery and Mechanism - The research team cloned the ELD1 gene, which specifically regulates rice heading under long daylight conditions, and found it can influence the mRNA splicing of the core biological clock gene OsCCA1, affecting the heading date of rice [1] - The complete loss of ELD1 function leads to embryo death in rice, but specific amino acid mutations can significantly promote heading without obvious agronomic defects [1][2] Group 2: Light Signal Integration - The study reveals that rice, like humans, has a biological clock, and different rhythms can affect heading. ELD1 primarily influences the heading date through the OsCCA1-Hd1 pathway [2] - Light signals regulate ELD1 via the photoreceptor phyB, which in turn affects OsCCA1 and thus regulates the heading date of rice [2] Group 3: Implications for Breeding - The research provides breakthroughs in molecular breeding by using base editing technology to create targeted mutations in key amino acids of ELD1, paving the way for early heading new germplasm in excellent varieties like Ningjing 7 and Ningjing 4 [2] - This study offers important genetic resources and theoretical support for addressing the late maturity issues in hybrid F1 generations of indica and japonica rice, which is crucial for breeding adaptable new rice varieties [2]