encoding a chromatin remodeling factor, is a killer causing hybrid sterility between rice species and .

The genetic mechanisms of reproductive isolation have been widely investigated within Asian cultivated rice (); however, relevant genes between diverged species have been in sighted rather less. Herein, a gene showing selfish behavior was discovered in hybrids between the distantly related rice species and . The selfish allele in the locus impaired male fertility, discriminately eliminating pollens containing the allele from in heterozygotes (/).

Influence of Gender Bias on Distribution of Hybrid Sterility in Rice.

Hybrid sterility genes define species identities, setting reproductive barriers between distantly related relatives. They induce allelic-specific selective gametic abnormalities by killing pollens, embryo sacs, or both, and thus resulting in the male specific transmission ratio distortion (TRD), female specific transmission ratio distortion ( TRD), and/or sex-independent transmission ratio distortion (TRD) in hybrids. Although more than 50 hybrid sterility genes have been reported, comprehensive analysis on the distributional pattern of TRD systems in species is limited.