Can heterotrimeric G proteins help to feed the world?

Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia. j.botella@uq.edu.au

Trends in plant science 2012 Oct

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Recently, two important yield quantitative trait loci (QTLs), GS3 and DEP1, have been cloned in rice (Oryza sativa). Although their relationship has not been established in the 'rice literature', a recent report identified them as heterotrimeric G protein γ subunits. This identification has profound consequences for our current understanding of both QTLs and the plant G protein signaling network and this opinion article discusses how manipulation of G protein signaling may lead to yield improvements in rice and other crop species. Finally, a mechanistic model to explain the seemingly conflicting phenotypes produced by different GS3 and DEP1 alleles is proposed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.