OsmiR528 regulates rice-pollen intine formation by targeting an uclacyanin to influence flavonoid metabolism

Abstract

Significance The intine layer of pollen is essential for pollen grain maturation and pollen tube germination. Abnormal intine development causes pollen sterility and affects seed-setting; therefore, the identification of regulators of intine formation is important for elucidating the mechanisms of pollen formation and function, especially for crop breeding. Here, we report a microRNA, OsmiR528, which regulates pollen intine formation and male fertility in rice ( Oryza sativa ). OsmiR528 directly targets the uclacyanin family member OsUCL23 to regulate flavonoid metabolism and pollen intine development. This study revealed the function of OsmiR528 and an uclacyanin in pollen development.