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Abstract:
Complex biological processes such as plant growth and development are often under the control of transcription factors that regulate the expression of large sets of genes and activate subordinate transcription factors in a cascade-like fashion. Here, by screening candidate photosynthesis-related transcription factors in rice, we identified a DREB (Dehydration Responsive Element Binding) family member, OsDREB1C, in which expression is induced by both light and low nitrogen status. We show that OsDREB1C drives functionally diverse transcriptional programs determining photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen utilization, and flowering time. Field trials with OsDREB1C-overexpressing rice revealed yield increases of 41.3 to 68.3% and, in addition, shortened growth duration, improved nitrogen use efficiency, and promoted efficient resource allocation, thus providing a strategy toward achieving much-needed increases in agricultural productivity. Improvements in agricultural productivity could lessen the impact of agriculture on the environment and perhaps supply more food from less land. Working in rice, Wei et al. identified a transcription factor that, when overexpressed, has a variety of useful effects (see the Perspective by Kelly). The gene?s expression is induced by both light and low-nitrogen status, and it regulates photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen utilization, and flowering time. In field trials, plants overexpressing this gene delivered greater yield, shortened growth duration, and improved nitrogen use efficiency. ?PJH Overexpression of a single transcription factor improves the agricultural productivity of rice.
