In rice genome, 53 nsLTPL genes were annotated [21]. Based
on the expression pattern of nsLTPs, they were divided into two
main groups. The first group has more general expression patterns
and/or functions, whereas the second group has acquired
more specific expression patterns and/or functions and could
play key roles in specific pathways [17]. So far, a few nsLTPs of
rice have been identified. OsDIL over-expressing transgenic rice
plants were more tolerant to drought stress during vegetative
development and showed less severe tapetal defects and fewer
defective anther sacs when treated with drought at the reproductive
stage [22]. OsLTP6 was anther specific expressed through a
combination of positive and negative regulatory elements in the
promoter region [23]. OsC6, encoding a lipid transfer protein, plays
a crucial role in the development of lipidic orbicules and pollen
exine during anther development in rice [24]. However, the function
of nsLTPs specifically expressed in rice seed has not been
reported.