A Nck‐associated protein 1‐like protein affects drought sensitivity by its involvement in leaf epidermal development and stomatal closure in rice

Summary Water deficit is a major environmental threat affecting crop yields worldwide. In this study, a drought stress‐sensitive mutant drought sensitive 8 ( ds8 ) was identified in rice ( Oryza sativa L.). The DS8 gene was cloned using a map‐based approach. Further analysis revealed that DS8 encoded a Nck‐associated protein 1 (NAP1)‐like protein, a component of the SCAR/WAVE complex, which played a vital role in actin filament nucleation...