Barley SIX-ROWED SPIKE3 encodes a putative Jumonji C-type H3K9me2/me3 demethylase that represses lateral spikelet fertility

Hazel Bull, M. Cristina Casao, Monika Zwirek, Andrew J. Flavell, William T. B. Thomas, Wenbin Guo, Runxuan Zhang, Paulo Rapazote-Flores, Stylianos Kyriakidis, Joanne Russell, Arnis Druka, Sarah M. McKim () and Robbie Waugh ()
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Hazel Bull: The James Hutton Institute
M. Cristina Casao: The James Hutton Institute
Monika Zwirek: The James Hutton Institute
Andrew J. Flavell: The University of Dundee at The James Hutton Institute
William T. B. Thomas: The James Hutton Institute
Wenbin Guo: The University of Dundee at The James Hutton Institute
Runxuan Zhang: The James Hutton Institute
Paulo Rapazote-Flores: The James Hutton Institute
Stylianos Kyriakidis: The University of Dundee at The James Hutton Institute
Joanne Russell: The James Hutton Institute
Arnis Druka: The James Hutton Institute
Sarah M. McKim: The University of Dundee at The James Hutton Institute
Robbie Waugh: The James Hutton Institute

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract The barley inflorescence (spike) comprises a multi-noded central stalk (rachis) with tri-partite clusters of uni-floretted spikelets attached alternately along its length. Relative fertility of lateral spikelets within each cluster leads to spikes with two or six rows of grain, or an intermediate morphology. Understanding the mechanisms controlling this key developmental step could provide novel solutions to enhanced grain yield. Classical genetic studies identified five major SIX-ROWED SPIKE (VRS) genes, with four now known to encode transcription factors. Here we identify and characterise the remaining major VRS gene, VRS3, as encoding a putative Jumonji C-type H3K9me2/me3 demethylase, a regulator of chromatin state. Exploring the expression network modulated by VRS3 reveals specific interactions, both with other VRS genes and genes involved in stress, hormone and sugar metabolism. We show that combining a vrs3 mutant allele with natural six-rowed alleles of VRS1 and VRS5 leads to increased lateral grain size and greater grain uniformity.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00940-7

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