Oryza sativa Genome sequencing and assembly

Panicle size is an important agronomic trait in rice, greatly influences the grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Although many panicle size genes have been reported, new panicle size controlling genes still need to be discovered. Here, we isolated two rice mutants, named Oryza sativa short panicle3 (Ossp3), which displayed a semi-dwarf, shorter panicle, and smaller grain, thus, the number of grains per spike decreased. Inhibition of cell expansion of the Ossp3 mutants resulted in smaller grain size. we cloned Ossp3 by using map-based cloning combined with resequencing technique. OsSP3 is highly expressed in the leaf sheath and panicle, and OsSP3 protein is localized in the nucleus. Transcriptional analysis revealed antenna proteins photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, plant MAPK signaling pathway, glycosaminoglycan degradation, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism were affected in the Ossp3 mutant. Moreover, the content of IAAs is significant decrease, but the content of cytokinin is significant increase. Our results provide new experimental resources and data for the functions and causes of auxin and cytokinin in rice.