Whole-Genome Sequencing of 1504 Mutants Enables Rapid Functional Genomic Studies in Rice

Whole-genome sequencing and cataloging of mutations at a single nucleotide resolution provides a useful functional genome resource for researchers. To this end, we generated a whole-genome sequenced fast-neutron-induced mutant population in the model rice cultivar Kitaake, which completes its life cycle in 9 weeks. We sequenced 1,504 mutant lines (45 fold coverage) and identified 91,513 mutations, affecting 32,307 genes, 57.7% of all rice genes. Mutation types include single base substitutions, deletions, insertions, inversions, translocations, and tandem duplications. We have observed a high proportion of loss-of-function mutations in the mutant collection. To facilitate public access to this genetic resource, we established an open access database called KitBase. The 1,504 whole-genome sequenced mutant lines together with the open access online resource enable rapid functional genomic studies in rice.