Narrow and Stripe Leaf 2 Regulates Leaf Width by Modulating Cell Cycle Progression in Rice

BACKGROUND: Leaf morphology is an important component of the idea plant architecture that extensively influences photosynthesis, transpiration, and ultimately grain yield in crops. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating this morphology remain largely unclear. RESULTS: In this study, a mutant showing a narrow and stripe leaf phonotype, designated nsl2, was obtained. Histological analysis revealed defects in the vascular system and reduced epidermal cell number in the nsl2, while the cell size remained unchanged. Map-based cloning and genetic complementation experiments revealed that NSL2, which encodes a small subunit of ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs), is a null allelic with ST1 and SDL. The NSL2 was expressed in variety of tissues, with the highest levels detected in leaves, and its protein was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The dNTPs level was altered in the nsl2 mutant, and thereby affecting the dNTPs pool balance. In addition, flow cytometric analysis and the altered transcript level of genes related to cell cycle indicated that NSL2 affects cell cycle progression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings here suggest that NSL2 function in the synthesis of dNTP, the deficient of which leads to DNA synthesis block and in turn affects cell cycle progression, and ultimately decreased cell number and narrow leaf in the nsl2 plant. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12284-023-00634-3.