Transcriptome analysis of the thermosensitive genic male-sterile line provides new insights into fertility alteration in rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

Thermosensitive genic male-sterile (TGMS) lines have been widely used for rice breeding to produce hybrid rice. Here, RNA-Seq was performed to investigate the expression profiles of young panicle from rice TGMS line at the microspore mother cell and meiosis stages under sterile and fertile conditions. A total of 1070 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which were enriched in protein folding, protein binding, regulation of transcription, transcription factor activity and metabolic related processes. Further analyses showed hub genes UbL40s were predicted to interact with proteolysis-related genes and DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit, and HSPs interacted with kinases to play important roles in regulating fertility alteration. It suggested that besides UbL40s, DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit, kinases and HSPs might be involved in fertility alteration in rice TGMS lines. These findings provided new insights into fertility alteration in rice TGMS line, which will benefit for further application of TGMS in rice breeding.