A 14-3-3 modulator of seed weight and quality for unlocking the yield potential of soybean.

ABSTRACT: Seed weight is a key component of crop yield. However, molecular mechanisms underlying soybean seed weight variation remain largely elusive. Here, we identify a major seed weight determining gene Glycine max SMALL SEED 6 (GmSMS6) that encodes a 14-3-3 protein. GmSMS6 physically and genetically interacts with the transcription factor GmbZIP151 and the RING-type E3 ligase GmUBQ1. GmSMS6 acts as a regulatory hub switch that coordinates the transcriptional activation activity and GmUBQ1-mediated stability of GmbZIP151, primarily repressing cellular expansion of soybean cotyledons. Knocking out GmSMS6 increases seed weight and protein content but decreases oil accumulation in multiple soybean genetic backgrounds. A loss-of-function allele of GmSMS6 is absent in available soybean resources, whil

SUBMITTER: Li B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12658019 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature