A molecular framework for the GS2-SUG1 module-mediated control of grain size and weight in rice

Yingjie Li, Ke Huang, Limin Zhang, Baolan Zhang, Penggen Duan, Guozheng Zhang, Xiahe Huang, Chen Zhou, Nannan Han, Leiying Zheng, Yingchun Wang and Yunhai Li ()
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Yingjie Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ke Huang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Limin Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Baolan Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Penggen Duan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Guozheng Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiahe Huang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chen Zhou: Hainan University
Nannan Han: Hainan University
Leiying Zheng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yingchun Wang: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yunhai Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Grain size is a key agronomic traits that influence grain yield in crops. The transcription factor GS2/OsGRF4 can improve grain size and yield, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we report a suppressor of the gain-of-function allele GS2AA (SUG1) that encodes a plant-specific protein DEP2/SRS1/EP2/OsRELA and acts as a transcriptional regulator. The sug1 mutants form short grains, while overexpression of SUG1 results in long grains. GS2 directly activates the expression of SUG1. SUG1 associates with transcription factors OsBZR1, OsMADS56 and OsSPL13 to control grain size through GA and BR signaling as well as growth pathways. Natural variation in SUG1 contributes to grain size diversity, and the SUG1Hap2 allele from indica varieties can be used to improve grain size and yield of japonica varieties with the SUG1Hap3 allele. Thus, our findings uncover that the GS2-SUG1 module controls grain size by integrating multiple growth signals, providing the potential targets for crop improvement.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59236-w

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