Molecular Basis of Lipid Metabolism in Oryza sativa L.

Abstract

Lipids are the basic biological molecules in plants, serving as glycerolipids for cell membranes and triacylglycerols as an energy source. Fatty acids are the major components of plant lipids. Both lipids and fatty acids significantly influence rice quality. Recent studies, through genetic analysis, have made significant progress in uncovering the functional mechanisms and regulatory pathways of lipid metabolism including the biological synthesis and degradation of fatty acids, glycerolipids, and triacylglycerols in rice. Meanwhile, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified by analyzing the natural variations of the composition and contents of lipids and fatty acids have been integrated and represented on 12 chromosomes. Lipids play multifaceted roles in the growth and development and stress response of rice. Through metabolic engineering and gene-editing technologies, significant advancements have been made in improving the lipid content in rice grains. These studies highlight the understanding the of molecular basis of lipid metabolism and lay a substantial basis for the genetic improvement of rice quality.