Spatio-temporal regulation of the OsHFP gene promoter establishes the involvement of this protein in rice anther development

► The unique hemopexin fold protein OsHFP is localized in rice anther tissues. ► OsHFP-related proteins exist in anthers of other monocot and dicot plant species. ► The promoter region of OsHFP gene is active in transgenic rice and tobacco anthers. ► Deletion analysis reveals unique cis-regulatory elements in OsHFP gene promoter. ► Temporal regulation of OsHFP promoter implies its involvement in anther dehiscence.