Fig. 8.

Proposed model for rice tapetum-related gene regulatory network. In the genetic pathway of the rice tapetal layer, the oval circles represent transcription factors. The genes in the box represent downstream enzymes. The black arrows represent positive regulation, and the black dots represent lipid synthesis in tapetal cells. This model indicates that OsMS188 acts as a core hub to modulate tapetum development and pollen wall and cuticle formation. C, cuticle; E, epidermis; En, endothecium; In, intine; ML, middle layer; Ne, nexine; PM, plasma membrane; Se, sexine; T, tapetum; Ub, Ubisch body