The miR5810/OsMRLP6 regulatory module affects rice seedling photosynthesis

Photosynthesis affects crop growth and yield. The roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in photosynthesis are little known. In the present study, the role of the OsNF-YB7–OsMIR5810–OsMRLP6 regulatory module in photosynthesis was investigated. The malectin-like protein gene OsMRLP6 was identified as a target gene of osa-miR5810 (miR5810). Overexpression in rice of miR5810 or down-expression of OsMRLP6 resulted in reduced expression of genes involved in chloroplast development and photosynthesis and decreased net photosynthetic rate, finally leading to lower shoot biomass and grain yield. Down-expression of miR5810 and overexpression of OsMRLP6 showed the opposite effect. Overexpression of transcription factor OsNF-YB7 elevated expression of OsMIR5810 in rice seedlings by binding to its promoter. The OsNF-YB7–OsMIR5810–OsMRLP6 regulatory module affects photosynthesis to mediate growth and grain yield.