WAL3 encoding a PLS-type PPR protein regulates chloroplast development in rice. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lv, Yang; Wang, Yueying; Zhang, Qiang; Chen, Changzhao; Qian, Qian; Guo, Longbiao
• Is Part Of: Plant science. Volume 323(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Rice -- PPR proteins -- Chloroplast development -- RNA splicing; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; 580
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111382
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-9452

Abstract

Abstract: Chloroplast development is a complex process that is critical for the growth and development of plants. Pentapeptide repeat (PPR) proteins contain large members but only few of them have been characterized in rice. In this study, we identified a new PLS-type protein, WAL3 (Whole Albino Leaf on Chromosome 3), playing important roles in plant chloroplast development. Knockout of WAL3 gene in Nipponbare variety caused abnormal chloroplast development and showed an albino lethal phenotype. Expression analysis showed that WAL3 gene was constitutively expressed with the highest expression in leaves. The WAL3 protein localized in chloroplasts and affected the splicing of multiple group II introns. Transcriptome sequencing showed that WAL3 involved in multiple metabolic pathways including the chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic related metabolic pathways. The decreased abundance of photosynthesis-related proteins in wal3 mutants indicated WAL3 influence photosynthesis. In summary, our study revealed that WAL3 is essential for chloroplast development in rice. Highlights: The chloroplast located PLS-type PPR protein WAL3 is essential for chloroplast development. Disruption of WAL3 gene leads to albino leaf phenotype in rice. WAL3 affects the expression level of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic related genes. WAL3 participates in the splicing of multiple group II introns in leaves.