Ornithine δ-aminotransferase is critical for floret development and seed setting through mediating nitrogen reutilization in rice

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrient element that is essential for plant growth and development. Many genes have been reported to contribute to nitrogen absorption and transportation. However, genes involved in nitrogen reutilization are seldom reported. Ornithine delta-aminotransferase (delta OAT) is the enzyme connecting arginine cycling and proline cycling. Here, we found that OsOAT, the homologue of delta OAT in rice, is essential for nitrogen reutilization through mediating arginase activity. In the Osoat mutant, metabolic abnormality induced by nitrogen deficiency in floret causes malformed glumes, incapable glume opening and anther indehiscence. These defects in the mutant affect the pollination process and lead to a low seed setting rate as well as abnormal seed shape. Intriguingly, urea can rescue the phenotypes of the Osoat mutant. Therefore, OsOAT is crucial for nitrogen reutilization and plays a critical role in floret development and seed setting in rice.