OsJMJ703, a rice histone demethylase gene, plays key roles in plant development and responds to drought stress

JmjC-domain-containing (JmjC) protein, an important kind of histone demethylase in plants, plays key roles in multiple growth and development processes and in adversity resistance. In this study, we found that OsJMJ703, a known histone demethylase, is expressed in various tissues. Furthermore, over-expression of OsJMJ703 influenced the type of rice panicle, and knock-down of the expression of OsJMJ703 showed an earlier flowering time in rice. In addition, OsJMJ703 is involved in abiotic stress. Transgenic rice of over-expressing OsJMJ703 is sensitive to drought stress, whereas knocking down OsJMJ703 enhances the tolerance to drought stress. This study provides a theoretical basis of the biological function of JmjC protein and further promotes the study of drought resistance.