OsNAC20 and OsNAC26 are the key regulators in rice grain filling.

OsNAC20 and OsNAC26 regulate rice grain filling by controlling multiple pathways, including storage substance synthesis, hormone metabolism, and transmembrane transport.

• Why it matters: Understanding the central regulators of grain filling is crucial for improving rice yield and quality, as this process involves complex physiological pathways that are not fully understood.
• What they did: Using DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), researchers identified that OsNAC20/26 activate key genes involved in storage biosynthesis, hormone regulation, and transport, and interact with other transcription factors.
• The result: This work uncovers a comprehensive regulatory network centered on OsNAC20/26, offering a foundation for targeted genetic strategies to enhance rice grain filling and crop productivity.