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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao The Plant Journalarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
The Plant Journal
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
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UQ eSpace
Article . 2026
Data sources: UQ eSpace
UQ eSpace
Article . 2026
Data sources: UQ eSpace
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A UCH4 – OsMT2b deubiquitinase–metallothionein module coordinates redox and zinc homeostasis to safeguard spikelet fertility

Authors: Asif Ali; Peizhou Xu; Kangxi Du; Yongxiang Liao; Yanxin Wang; Yaxin Liao; Asad Riaz; +12 Authors

A UCH4 – OsMT2b deubiquitinase–metallothionein module coordinates redox and zinc homeostasis to safeguard spikelet fertility

Abstract

SUMMARY Spikelet abortion is a critical defect affecting rice yield. Here, we characterized an apical panicle abortion1304 ( apa1304 ) mutant, which displays apical spikelet abortion and defective anther cuticle formation. Phenotypic and cytological analyses revealed aborted and pollen‐less anthers in the apical spikelets of apa1304 . Results of Map‐based cloning and MutMap analyses revealed that the candidate gene controlling the phenotype of apa1304 is a deubiquitinase, OsUCH4, encoding a ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase. RNA in situ hybridization and qRT‐PCR showed that OsUCH4 is ubiquitously expressed with enrichment in young spikelets, tapetum, and male meiocytes. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines mimicked the mutant phenotype, while complementation rescued spikelet fertility. Protein interaction assays (Y2H, LUC complementation, and GST pull‐down) demonstrated that OsUCH4 physically interacts with OsMT2b, a protein previously known for ROS‐scavenging and zinc transportation to the panicle. In vitro assays confirmed that OsUCH4 can deubiquitinate polyubiquitinated proteins derived from substrates UBQ1 and UBQ10, both independently and in the presence of OsMT2b. Multi‐omics analyses further highlighted disruptions in redox and zinc transportation pathways in apa1304 . Collectively, our findings reveal that OsUCH4 contributes to spikelet fertility through interaction with redox‐associated protein OsMT2b, providing new insights into the molecular regulation of spikelet fertility in rice.

Keywords

reactive oxygen species, apical panicle abortion, Deubiquitinating Enzymes, Oryza, Flowers, panicle development, 1307 Cell Biology, spikelet fertility, deubiquitinase, Zinc, Fertility, 1311 Genetics, Gene Expression Regulation, Plant, 1110 Plant Science, Homeostasis, Metallothionein, OsMT2b, rice (Oryza sativa L.), Oxidation-Reduction, Plant Proteins

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
1
Top 10%
Average
Average
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