OsCOMT, encoding a caffeic acid O-methyltransferase in melatonin biosynthesis, increases rice grain yield through dual regulation of leaf senescence and vascular development.

ABSTRACT: Melatonin, a natural phytohormone in plants, plays multiple critical roles in plant growth and stress responses. Although melatonin biosynthesis-related genes have been suggested to possess diverse biological functions, their roles and functional mechanisms in regulating rice grain yield remain largely unexplored. Here, we uncovered the roles of a caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (OsCOMT) gene in mediating rice grain yield through dual regulation of leaf senescence and vascular development. In vitro and in vivo evidence revealed that OsCOMT is involved in melatonin biosynthesis. Transgenic assays suggested that OsCOMT significantly delays leaf senescence at the grain filling stage by inhibiting degradation of chlorophyll and chloroplast, which, in turn, improves photosynthesis efficiency.

SUBMITTER: Huangfu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9129082 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature