SIG1 gene activation for improved rice plant architecture and grain yield
A molecular breeding strategy leveraging the SIG1 gene to optimize rice plant architecture. Overexpression of SIG1 produces smaller tiller angles, more branches, and higher grain yield without increasing plant height, enabling yield improvements in commercial high-yield rice varieties through gene editing of this endogenous gene.
Overview
This solution centers on the SIG1 gene, a novel strigolactone-regulated gene that controls branch number and branch angle in rice. By activating expression of this endogenous gene, rice plant architecture can be improved to enhance grain yield. The approach is designed for molecular breeding of commercial high-yield rice varieties, offering a genetic strategy to increase productivity without altering plant height.
Technical specifications
- Target gene: SIG1, a strigolactone-induced gene identified as a regulator of rice branching
- Mechanism: Increasing SIG1 expression levels improves plant architecture by reducing tiller angle and increasing branch number
- Validation evidence: SIG1 expression is significantly induced by rac-GR24, a synthetic strigolactone analogue; heterologous expression in Arabidopsis increases branch numbers; overexpression in Nipponbare rice produces smaller tiller angle, more branches, and normal plant height with higher grain yield; SIG1 mutation results in fewer branches
- Application method: Gene editing to activate endogenous SIG1 expression in commercial high-yield rice varieties
- Yield traits under further evaluation: grain number per panicle, panicle number per plant, seed-setting rate, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield per plant
- Hormonal basis: Builds on established understanding of strigolactone signaling, including the dual-function receptor D14 that hydrolyzes and perceives strigolactone to trigger branching control
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an advanced research and early validation stage. Core findings have been demonstrated in model rice (Niplanbare) and Arabidopsis, confirming the functional role of SIG1 in branch regulation and yield improvement. Further validation is planned over approximately 1.5 years, including detailed yield characterization of SIG1 overexpression lines and mutants, and application of gene editing strategies in commercial high-yield rice varieties. The research team is seeking funding partnership to complete this work.
About Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University is a comprehensive public research university in Beijing, operating at global scale with broad disciplinary breadth. Its main campus borders the Zhongguancun innovation district, enabling close collaboration with corporate R&D, co‑located labs, and a mature startup ecosystem via an adjacent research and technology park. A graduate campus in Shenzhen extends reach into the Greater Bay Area, with shared labs, pilot facilities, and collaboration platforms that compress time from prototype to manufacturing. Research is backed by competitive national funding in China and international industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP management, licensing, joint development, and startup formation.
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