Abstract
Rice is the most important source of food worldwide, providing energy, and nutrition for more than half of the population worldwide. Rice grain quality is a complex trait that is affected by several factors, such as the genotype and environment, and is a major target for rice breeders. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are the regions of non-coding DNA, which play a critical role in gene expression regulation. Compared with gene knockout, CRE modifications can fine-tune the expression levels of target genes. Genome editing has provided opportunities to modify the genomes of organisms in a precise and predictable way. Recently, the promoter modifications of coding genes using genome editing technologies in plant improvement have become popular. In this study, we reviewed the results of recent studies on the identification, characterization, and application of CREs involved in rice grain quality. We proposed CREs as preferred potential targets to create allelic diversity and to improve quality traits via genome editing strategies in rice. We also discussed potential challenges and experimental considerations for the improvement in grain quality in crop plants.
Highlights
Rice provides major nutrients and energy for more than half of the population worldwide
Cis-Regulatory Elements and Rice Quality promoter elements to modify the expression of regulatory genes and/or transcription factors (TFs) have proven to be advantageous (Yang et al, 2019)
Grain size on chromosome 3 (GS3), GW5, Grain length and weight on chromosome 7 (GLW7), GRAIN WIDTH8 (GW8), Grain size on chromosome 2 (GS2), and Grain shape on chromosome 9 (GS9) are the main genes or transcription regulators affecting variations in rice grain shape and size. Genes such as GL7/GRAIN WIDTH 7 (GW7), GL3.1, Grain size on chromosome 5 (GS5), Grain width 2 (GW2), and GL3.3, which were identified in natural variants, have profound effects on grain shape and functions, and their mechanisms have been studied (Huang et al, 2013)
Summary
Rice provides major nutrients and energy for more than half of the population worldwide. To meet the needs of consumers and producers, researchers have to understand the molecular mechanisms and genetic basis that determines rice quality, and breeders and seed companies have to develop rice varieties with excellent quality and high yield. Cis-Regulatory Elements and Rice Quality promoter elements to modify the expression of regulatory genes and/or transcription factors (TFs) have proven to be advantageous (Yang et al, 2019). In this perspective, we mainly discussed the identification and analysis of cisregulatory elements (CREs) involved in rice grain quality and the modification of CREs via genome editing technologies for the improvement in rice grain quality
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