Molecular Basis of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility

Abstract

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), a maternally inherited trait failing to produce functional pollens, is an alternative approach for utilization of hybrid vigor and hybrid seed production in Crucifer crops. CMS and its fertility restoration lines are also good system to explore the interaction between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Several cytoplasmic male sterility-associated genes, namely mitochondrial novel open reading frames (ORFs), had been identified from different sources of CMS, some of which were confirmed to be associated with CMS phenotypes by transgenic experiments. There were many molecular events occurring at transcriptional and/or editing levels pertaining to energy-related mitochondrial genes. Here, we reviewed the current advances in the research of genetic and molecular basis of CMS in crucifer crops. Thus, the understandings of CMS could help us to recognize the vital role of mitochondria and the manipulation of organellar genetics in practical breeding programs.