Abstract
With the development of molecular biology, several genes relative to grain yield traits have been cloned in rice. Among these genes, only DEP1 (dense and erect panicle 1) has been widely used in rice breeding. The objective of this review is to summarize the previous research for DEP1 and look into its development prospect. DEP1 gene codes a heterotrimeric G protein γ subunit. The loss of its cysteine-rich domain increases signal transmission of G protein, which may result in stronger meristem activity, increased number of branches and grains per panicle, higher nitrogen use efficiency, and consequent increase in grain yield. Moreover, the erect panicle architectures improve the canopy structure and lodging resistance, which lead to higher material production capacity in population. Therefore, the plant type improvement on the basis of the erect panicle gene DEP1 will bring the third breakthrough of grain yield in rice breeding history after the semi-dwarf breeding and the application of heterosis in hybrid rice.
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