biostudies-literatureChen KMinistry of Science and Technology of the People&apos;s Republic of ChinaMinistry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (CN)395https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6737680biostudies-literatureUnknown19(1)<h4>Background</h4>Leaf morphology and spikelet number are two important traits associated with grain yield. To understand how genes coordinating with sink and sources of cereal crops is important for grain yield improvement guidance. Although many researches focus on leaf morphology or grain number in rice, the regulating molecular mechanisms are still unclear.<h4>Results</h4>In this study, we identified a prohibitin complex 2α subunit, NAL8, that contributes to multiple developmental process and is required for normal leaf width and spikelet number at the reproductive stage in rice. These results were consistent with the ubiquitous expression pattern of NAL8 gene. We used genetic complementation, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, RNAi gene silenced system and overexpressing system to geneBMC plant biologyNAL8 encodes a prohibitin that contributes to leaf and spikelet development by regulating mitochondria and chloroplasts stability in rice.PMC67376802016YFD0100902Dong NQYe WWChen KLin HXYang YBLi XMShi CLGuo TShan JXfalseNAL8 encodes a prohibitin that contributes to leaf and spikelet development by regulating mitochondria and chloroplasts stability in rice.<h4>Background</h4>Leaf morphology and spikelet number are two important traits associated with grain yield. To understand how genes coordinating with sink and sources of cereal crops is important for grain yield improvement guidance. Although many researches focus on leaf morphology or grain number in rice, the regulating molecular mechanisms are still unclear.<h4>Results</h4>In this study, we identified a prohibitin complex 2α subunit, NAL8, that contributes to multiple developmental process and is required for normal leaf width and spikelet number at the reproductive stage in rice. These results were consistent with the ubiquitous expression pattern of NAL8 gene. We used genetic complementation, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, RNAi gene silenced system and overexpressing system to gene2019-01-01T00:00:00Z2019 Sep2026-05-01T03:56:17.925Z2019-09-24T07:10:07ZS-EPMC67376803151091710.1186/s12870-019-2007-4