Mutation Leads the Misregulation of Anther Cuticle Formation by Disrupting Lipid Metabolism in Maize.

The anther cuticle, which is mainly composed of lipid polymers, functions as physical barriers to protect genetic material intact; however, the mechanism of lipid biosynthesis in maize () anther remains unclear. Herein, we report a male sterile mutant, (), in maize. It was shown that the mutant displayed a defective anther tapetum development and premature microspore degradation.