Abstract
RDD1 was identified as one of genes exhibited daily expression in constant darkness in leaf blades of rice (Oryza sativa L.). This gene has a similarity to a transcription factor gene, Dof. RT-PCR analysis showed that rhythmic expression of two photosynthesis-related genes, Cab1R and rbcS, was altered in both sense (S) and antisense cDNA-overexpressing (AS) transgenic rice plants. Change in accumulation patterns of the both transcripts was different between the transgenic plants under long days and those under short days. Furthermore, the presence of antisense RNA for endogenous RDD1 was detected, suggesting that it may have a role in regulation of the RDD1 expression. The AS plants were shorter and showed later heading than wild-type and the S plants. These results suggested that RDD1 seems to be one of the transcription factors to regulate expression of photosynthesis-related genes and involved in the control of growth and heading date.
