Novel insights into cell cycle regulation of cell fate determination.

The stem/progenitor cell has long been regarded as a central cell type in development, homeostasis, and regeneration, largely owing to its robust self-renewal and multilineage differentiation abilities. The balance between self-renewal and stem/progenitor cell differentiation requires the coordinated regulation of cell cycle progression and cell fate determination. Extensive studies have demonstrated that cell cycle states determine cell fates, because cells in different cell cycle states are characterized by distinct molecular features and functional outputs.

Fine mapping of qPAA8, a gene controlling panicle apical development in rice.

In rice, one detrimental factor influencing single panicle yield is the frequent occurrence of panicle apical abortion (PAA) under unfavorable climatic conditions. Until now, no detailed genetic information has been available to avoid PAA in rice breeding. Here, we show that the occurrence of PAA is associated with the accumulation of excess hydrogen peroxide.