CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutation in GRAIN WIDTH and WEIGHT2 (GW2) locus improves aleurone layer and grain nutritional quality in rice.

ABSTRACT: Enhancing crop productivity and their nutritional quality are the key components and primary focus of crop improvement strategy for fulfilling future food demand and improving human health. Grain filling and endosperm development are the key determinants of grain yield and nutritional quality. GRAIN WIDTH and WEIGHT2 (GW2) gene encodes a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase and determines the grain weight in cereal crops. Here we report GW2 knockout (KO) mutants in Indica (var. MTU1010) through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The endosperm of GW2-KO mutant seed displays a thick aleurone layer with enhanced grain protein content. Further the loss of function of OsGW2 results in improved accumulation of essential dietary minerals (Fe, Zn, K, P, Ca) in the endosperm of rice grain. Additionally, the muta

SUBMITTER: Achary VMM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8578329 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature