Decoding the transcriptome of rice seed during development

Abstract

Rice seed development is a continuous process wherein it undergoes complex molecular and tissue reprogramming. It is a collective effect of embryo and endosperm development, each of which undertakes its own developmental paths, with endosperm development significantly affecting embryo. Understanding the mechanistics of the regulatory networks administrating this process is the building block for any future research on grain yield and quality. High-throughput transcript profiling and small RNA profiling studies have proved useful in providing information about the molecular changes occurring in various tissues associated with seed development. Transcriptome sequencing studies have highlighted the significant genes and pathways that are operating during seed development. The involvement of TFs and hormones has also been implicated in regulating key aspects of seed development, including embryo patterning and seed maturation. This chapter will review the information provided by high-throughput sequencing studies on various aspects of rice seed development, highlighting the developmental complexities of embryo and endosperm.