@article{Zhao2025, 
author = {Hongyuan Zhao and Yu Fu and Yingqin Luo and Weifeng Yang and Yanhao Gao and Xiaoya Liang and Ying Zhang and Deshu Zhao and Shiquan Li and Fangping Li and Guodong Chen and Penglin Zhan and Zupei Liu and Suhong Bu and Guiquan Zhang and Shaokui Wang},
title = {GL6.1 integrates grain length regulation and disease resistance via OsWRKY53-mediated signaling in rice},
year = {2025},
journal = {The Crop Journal},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {1451-1459},
keywords = {Rice, GL6.1, Grain length, Disease resistance, Single-segment substitution line},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1016/j.cj.2025.07.010},
doi = {10.1016/j.cj.2025.07.010},
abstract = {Grain size is a crucial factor influencing both rice yield and appearance quality. In this study, we identified GL6.1 as a gene associated with rice grain size by map-based cloning. The GL6.1 encodes a protein with CC-NB-LRR domain, a structural motif related to rice disease resistance. Genetic transformation experiments and the construction of gene pyramiding lines indicate that GL6.1 functions as a negative regulatory factor for rice grain length. By the analysis of SSSLs with diverse donor parents, a total of 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are identified that are closely associated with the phenotype variations. A yeast one-hybrid library screening revealed that GL6.1 interacts with OsWRKY53, a transcription factor associated with rice disease resistance. Furthermore, RNA-seq assay also revealed the involvement of pathways associated with disease resistance, hinting at a multifaceted role for GL6.1 in both yield and stress tolerance traits in rice. These results indicate that the cloning and in-depth studies of GL6.1 would provide valuable insights into the interplay among high yield, superior quality, and stress tolerance, which are critical goals for rice breeding.}
}