Unveiling distinct storage composition and starch properties in developing indica rice grains via transcriptional profiling and enzymatic activity analysis

expression ratio was higher in RD57, which correlated with its higher amylose content and associated differences in starch properties compared to RD6. Gene co-expression network analysis identified potential regulators of these pathways, including transcription factors bZIP10-like and bZIP44-like, and the energy signaling SnRK2.10-like kinase. Binding motif predictions indicated a bZIP10-like and bZIP44-like association with several starch genes, warranting further investigation as potential targets for improving rice starch. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulation of storage biomolecule biosynthesis in the previously understudied indica rice, laying the groundwork for breeders to develop new varieties with improved ECQ and health-beneficial traits for users in the food and biomaterial industries.