Mutations in the DNA demethylase <i>OsROS1</i> result in a thickened aleurone and improved nutritional value in rice grains

Abstract

Significance The aleurone, storing proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, is the most nutritious part of cereal grains. Genetic analyses were conducted to screen for mutants with thickened aleurone, and identified thick aleurone 2-1 , which exhibits a multicell-layered aleurone and an improved nutritional profile. Map-based cloning showed that TA2 encodes a DNA demethylase. This study provides a strategy for enhancing the nutritional value of rice, and possibly of other cereals as well.