Abstract
Background: Uncontrolled expression of a certain mitochondrial gene often causes cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in plants. This phenotype is prevented by the presence of a fertility restorer (Rf) gene in the nuclear genome. Such CMS/Rf systems have been successfully used for breedings of F1 hybrid cultivars. In rice, approximately 99% of F1 hybrid cultivars have been developed using a wild abortive type of CMS (WA-CMS) and its Rf genes. Recently, a newly identified mitochondrial gene, orf352, was reported as a WA-CMS-causing gene. Findings: We cloned and functionally characterized Rf4, a major Rf gene for WA-CMS. We revealed that Rf4 encoded a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein and reduced the orf352-containing transcripts, thereby restoring pollen fertility. Conclusions: Through a map-based cloning, we have independently identified an allele of a recently reported Rf4 gene and demonstrated that the fertility restoration is controlled sporophytically.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 28 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Rice |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 Dec 1 |
Keywords
- Cytoplasmic male sterility
- Fertility restorer
- Rice
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Soil Science
- Plant Science