Downregulation of a gibberellin 3β‐hydroxylase enhances photosynthesis and increases seed yield in soybean
Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2022 papers
Abstract
Seed yield, determined mainly by seed numbers and seed weight, is the primary target of soybean breeding. Identifying the genes underlying yield-related traits is of great significance. Through joint linkage mapping and a genome-wide association study for 100-seed weight, we cloned GmGA3ox1, a gene encoding gibberellin 3β-hydroxylase, which is the key enzyme in the gibberellin synthesis pathway. Genome resequencing identified a beneficial GmGA3ox1 haplotype contributing to high seed weight, which was further confirmed by soybean transformants. CRISPR/Cas9-generated gmga3ox1 mutants showed lower seed weight, but promoted seed yield by increasing seed numbers. The gmga3ox1 mutants reduced gibberellin biosynthesis while enhancing photosynthesis. Knockout of GmGA3ox1 resulted in the upregulation of numerous photosynthesis-related genes, particularly the GmRCA family encoding ribulose-1,5-bispho-sphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) activases. The basic leucine zipper transcription factors GmbZIP97 and GmbZIP159, which were both upregulated in the gmga3ox1 mutants and induced by the gibberellin synthesis inhibitor uniconazole, could bind to the promoter of GmRCAβ and activate its expression. Analysis of genomic sequences with over 2700 soybean accessions suggested that GmGA3ox1 is being gradually utilized in modern breeding. Our results elucidated the important role of GmGA3ox1 in soybean yield. These findings reveal important clues for future high-yield breeding in soybean and other crops.
Related Papers
- → Changes in Rubisco and Rubisco activase gene expression and polypeptide content in Pinus halepensis M. subjected to ozone and drought(2001)140 cited
- → Biosynthesis of Gibberellins in Gibberella fujikuroi. The Sequence after Gibberellin A4(1971)28 cited
- → Effect of gibberellin on the flowering of Christmas cactus. I(1959)8 cited
- → Presence of Gibberellin-like Substances in Lettuce Seed(1960)13 cited
- → The Structure of Gibberellin A23 and the Biological Properties of 3, 13-Dihydroxy C20-Gibberellins(1972)10 cited