Rice transglutaminase gene: Identification, protein expression, functionality, light dependence and specific cell location

► Plant transglutaminases are scarcely known. The identification of a TGase in rice, is presented. ► The cDNA (tgo) is obtained from to the only known TGase gene: maize plastidial TGase. ► TGO recombinant protein has specific TGase activity regulation, showing it as an authentic TGase. ► TGO expression in the rice plant was light dependent and regulated by the illumination period. ► TGO is localized in the grana chloroplasts, protein vesicles near them, and bulliform cells.