Abstract: The anther recruits a number of specific-genes to support microspore development. Here we report identification of a novel gene, RAFTIN1, from bread wheat and rice, encoding a protein containing a BURP domain hallmarked with 4 CII repeats at its C-terminus. This single copy gene (per haploid complement in cereals) is exclusively expressed in the tapetum during postmeiotic stages when the young microspore undergoes rapid expansion. RAFTIN1 is biosynthesized in the tapetum, transported into the Ubisch body, and further deposited onto the microspore exinewall. Transgenic rice, in which RAFTIN1 expression is down-regulated, shows normal growth and development hut also shows male sterility. In the RAFTIN1-less anther, tapetal degeneration is retarded and pollen lacks contents. Thus, RAFTIN1 assembly in the Ubisch body and the microspore exinewall is required for microspore development, probably for regulation of metabolite transport from the tapetum to the microspore.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified polynucleotide sequences encoding fatty acyl Co-A reductase (FAR) enzymes derived from wheat, designated TAA1 genes. The invention encompasses genes that encode FAR enzymes that are useful in the production of transgenic plants and other organisms that comprise increased or otherwise altered levels of fatty alcohols. Such plants may have significant commercial value for the production of fatty alcohols for use in nutritional and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also provides corresponding TAA1 anther-specific promoters, suitable for the expression of proteins other than FAR enzymes in the anthers and pollen cells of suitably transformed plants.