The CCR4-NOT complex is a conserved master regulator of gene expression in eukaryotes. This complex includes multiple subunits involved in the control of different steps of gene expression, from transcription to translation. However, the physiological function of the CCR4-NOT complex in Arabidopsis has not been elucidated. Motomura and Arae et al (on pp. 712-721) have revealed that AtNOT1, a scaffold protein of the AtCCR4-NOT complex, is essential for proper pollen development and acquisition of germination capacity in Arabidopsis. These findings provide novel insight into gene expression regulation during pollen development.