A transcriptional regulator that boosts grain yields and shortens the growth duration of rice

• DOI: 10.1126/science.abi8455
• Publication Date: 2022-07-21T17:55:51Z
• Authors: Shaobo Wei; Xia Li; Zefu Lu; Hui Zhang; Xiangyuan Ye; Yujie Zhou; Jing Li; Yanyan Yan; Hongcui Pei; Fengying Duan; Danying Wang; Song Chen; Peng Wang; Chao Zhang; Lianguang Shang; Yue Zhou; Peng Yan; Ming Zhao; Jirong Huang; Ralph Bock; Qian Qian; Wenbin Zhou
• Keywords: Transcription; Photosynthetic capacity

Complex biological processes such as plant growth and development are often under the control of transcription factors that regulate expression large sets genes activate subordinate in a cascade-like fashion. Here, by screening candidate photosynthesis-related rice, we identified DREB (Dehydration Responsive Element Binding) family member, OsDREB1C, which is induced both light low nitrogen status. We show OsDREB1C drives functionally diverse transcriptional programs determining photosynthetic capacity, utilization, flowering time. Field trials with OsDREB1C-overexpressing rice revealed yield increases 41.3 to 68.3% and, addition, shortened duration, improved use efficiency, promoted efficient resource allocation, thus providing strategy toward achieving much-needed agricultural productivity.