Phosphorus remobilization during grain filling in rice

The transport of phosphorus (P) to developing cereal grains is a major step in the global P cycle. Transcriptome (RNA-seq) analyses were undertaken to resolve the physiology and molecular mechanisms of P remobilisation from vegetative tissues to developing grains. Several genes with expression profiles consistent with a role in P remobilisation to developing gains were identified, including four purple acid phosphatase genes (OsPAP3, OsPAP9b, OsPAP10a and OsPAP26) and a novel P transporter (SPX-MFS). These genes provide targets for further study and possible manipulation to reduce the amount of P in cereal grains, with major benefits for the global P cycle.