A seed-specific DNA-binding with One Finger transcription factor, RPBF, positively regulates galactinol synthase to maintain seed vigour in rice.

This article investigates the regulatory role of the rice prolamin box binding factor (RPBF), a seed-specific DNA-binding with One Finger (DOF) transcription factor, in controlling seed vigour through transcriptional regulation of galactinol synthase (GolS). The study demonstrates that RPBF directly binds to a specific DOF-binding site in the promoter region of the OsGolS1 gene, enhancing its expression during seed development, which correlates with increased galactinol and raffinose content—compounds associated with seed vigour and longevity. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of RPBF in rice resulted in reduced galactinol and raffinose levels and compromised seed viability and germination, especially under accelerated ageing and abiotic stress conditions. These findings highlight RPBF as a key transcriptional regulator influencing seed vigour by modulating GolS expression during seed maturation.