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Zhang Y, Zhen S, Zhang C, Zhang J, Shangguan X, Lu J, Wu Q, Dirk LMA, Downie AB, Wang G, Zhao T, Fu J. Natural variation of CT2 affects the embryo/kernel weight ratio in maize. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00250-9. [PMID: 39343093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Embryo size is a critical trait determining not only grain yield but also the nutrition of the maize kernel. Up to present, only a few genes have been characterized affecting the maize embryo/kernel ratio. Here, we identify 63 genes significantly associated with maize embryo/kernel weight ratio using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The peak GWAS signal shows that the natural variation in Zea mays COMPACT PLANT2 (CT2), encoding the heterotrimeric G protein α subunit, is significantly associated with the Embryo/Kernel Weight Ratio (EKWR), Further analyses show that a missense mutation of CT2 decreases its enzyme activity and associates with EKWR. The function of CT2 on affecting embryo/kernel weight ratio is further validated by characterization of two ct2 mutants, for which EKWR is significantly decreased. Subsequently, the key downstream genes of CT2 are identified by combining the differential expression analysis (DEG) of the ct2 mutant and quantitative trait transcript analysis in the GWAS population. In addition, the allele frequency spectrum shows that CT2 was under selective pressure during maize domestication. This study provides important genetic insights into the natural variation of maize embryo/kernel weight ratio, which could be applied in future maize breeding programs to improve grain yield and nutritional content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Sihan Zhen
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Seed Science and Technology Research Center, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology (MOA), Beijing Key Laboratory for Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; School of Management Science and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chonging 400045, China
| | - Chunxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoqing Shangguan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiawen Lu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qingyu Wu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lynnette M A Dirk
- Department of Horticulture, Seed Biology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - A Bruce Downie
- Department of Horticulture, Seed Biology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tianyong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Junjie Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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2
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Balmant KM, Resende MFR. SnRK1a1, a new player in the sucrose-Opaque2 network during endosperm filling. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:1172-1174. [PMID: 38973160 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcio F R Resende
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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3
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Xie S, Luo H, Huang W, Jin W, Dong Z. Striking a growth-defense balance: Stress regulators that function in maize development. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:424-442. [PMID: 37787439 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) cultivation is strongly affected by both abiotic and biotic stress, leading to reduced growth and productivity. It has recently become clear that regulators of plant stress responses, including the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), and jasmonic acid (JA), together with reactive oxygen species (ROS), shape plant growth and development. Beyond their well established functions in stress responses, these molecules play crucial roles in balancing growth and defense, which must be finely tuned to achieve high yields in crops while maintaining some level of defense. In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of recent research on the developmental functions of stress regulators, focusing specifically on maize. By unraveling the contributions of these regulators to maize development, we present new avenues for enhancing maize cultivation and growth while highlighting the potential risks associated with manipulating stress regulators to enhance grain yields in the face of environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Xie
- Maize Engineering and Technology Research Center of Hunan Province, College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongbing Luo
- Maize Engineering and Technology Research Center of Hunan Province, College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiwei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Breeding of Major Crops, Fresh Corn Research Center of BTH, College of Agronomy & Resources and Environment, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Zhaobin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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4
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Chen E, Yu H, He J, Peng D, Zhu P, Pan S, Wu X, Wang J, Ji C, Chao Z, Xu Z, Wu Y, Chao D, Wu Y, Zhang Z. The transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 coordinate with Opaque2 to promote endosperm filling in maize. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:4066-4090. [PMID: 37542515 PMCID: PMC10615213 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm filling in maize (Zea mays), which involves nutrient uptake and biosynthesis of storage reserves, largely determines grain yield and quality. However, much remains unclear about the synchronization of these processes. Here, we comprehensively investigated the functions of duplicate NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2 (NAC)-type transcription factors, namely, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130, in endosperm filling. The gene-edited double mutant zmnac128 zmnac130 exhibits a poorly filled kernel phenotype such that the kernels have an inner cavity. RNA sequencing and protein abundance analysis revealed that the expression of many genes involved in the biosynthesis of zein and starch is reduced in the filling endosperm of zmnac128 zmnac130. Further, DNA affinity purification and sequencing combined with chromatin-immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR and promoter transactivation assays demonstrated that ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 are direct regulators of 3 (16-, 27-, and 50-kD) γ-zein genes and 6 important starch metabolism genes (Brittle2 [Bt2], pullulanase-type starch debranching enzyme [Zpu1], granule-bound starch synthase 1 [GBSS1], starch synthase 1 [SS1], starch synthase IIa [SSIIa], and sucrose synthase 1 [Sus1]). ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 recognize an additional cis-element in the Opaque2 (O2) promoter to regulate its expression. The triple mutant zmnac128 zmnac130 o2 exhibits extremely poor endosperm filling, which results in more than 70% of kernel weight loss. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 regulate the expression of the transporter genes sugars that will eventually be exported transporter 4c (ZmSWEET4c), sucrose and glucose carrier 1 (ZmSUGCAR1), and yellow stripe-like2 (ZmYSL2) and in turn facilitate nutrient uptake, while O2 plays a supporting role. In conclusion, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 cooperate with O2 to facilitate endosperm filling, which involves nutrient uptake in the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) and the synthesis of zeins and starch in the starchy endosperm (SE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Huiqin Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Juan He
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Di Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Panpan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Shuxing Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Xu Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Jincang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhenfei Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhuopin Xu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031,China
| | - Yuejin Wu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031,China
| | - Daiyin Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
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Chen Q, Guo Y, Zhang J, Zheng N, Wang J, Liu Y, Lu J, Zhen S, Du X, Li L, Fu J, Wang G, Gu R, Wang J, Liu Y. RNA polymerase common subunit ZmRPABC5b is transcriptionally activated by Opaque2 and essential for endosperm development in maize. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7832-7850. [PMID: 37403778 PMCID: PMC10450181 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) kernel size is an important factor determining grain yield; although numerous genes regulate kernel development, the roles of RNA polymerases in this process are largely unclear. Here, we characterized the defective kernel 701 (dek701) mutant that displays delayed endosperm development but normal vegetative growth and flowering transition, compared to its wild type. We cloned Dek701, which encoded ZmRPABC5b, a common subunit to RNA polymerases I, II and III. Loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 impaired the function of all three RNA polymerases and altered the transcription of genes related to RNA biosynthesis, phytohormone response and starch accumulation. Consistent with this observation, loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 affected cell proliferation and phytohormone homeostasis in maize endosperm. Dek701 was transcriptionally regulated in the endosperm by the transcription factor Opaque2 through binding to the GCN4 motif within the Dek701 promoter, which was subjected to strong artificial selection during maize domestication. Further investigation revealed that DEK701 interacts with the other common RNA polymerase subunit ZmRPABC2. The results of this study provide substantial insight into the Opaque2-ZmRPABC5b transcriptional regulatory network as a central hub for regulating endosperm development in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanquan Chen
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yingmei Guo
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nannan Zheng
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiawen Lu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sihan Zhen
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuemei Du
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Li
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjie Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Riliang Gu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunjun Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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6
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Li Q, Yang T, Rui W, Wang H, Wang Y, Yang Z, Xu C, Li P. Genetic Diversification of Starch Branching Enzymes during Maize Domestication and Improvement. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051068. [PMID: 37239428 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the genetic basis of starch pasting and gelatinization properties is crucial for enhancing the quality of maize and its utility as feed and industrial raw material. In maize, ZmSBE genes encode important starch branching enzymes in the starch biosynthesis pathway. In this study, we re-sequenced the genomic sequences of ZmSBEI, ZmSBEIIa, ZmSBEIIb, and ZmSBEIII in three lines called 335 inbred lines, 68 landrace lines, and 32 teosinte lines. Analyses of nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotype diversity revealed differences in the selection patterns of ZmSBEI, ZmSBEIIa, ZmSBEIIb, and ZmSBEIII during maize domestication and improvement. A marker-trait association analysis of inbred lines detected 22 significant loci, including 18 SNPs and 4 indels significantly associated with three maize starch physicochemical properties. The allele frequencies of two variants (SNP17249C and SNP5055G) were examined in three lines. The frequency of SNP17249C in ZmSBEIIb was highest in teosinte lines, followed by landrace lines, and inbred lines, whereas there were no significant differences in the frequency of SNP5055G in ZmSBEIII among the three lines. These results suggest that ZmSBE genes play an important role in the phenotypic variations in the starch physicochemical properties in maize. The genetic variants detected in this study may be used to develop functional markers for improving maize starch quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Wenye Rui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Houmiao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yunyun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zefeng Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chenwu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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7
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Guan JC, Li C, Flint-Garcia S, Suzuki M, Wu S, Saunders JW, Dong L, Bouwmeester HJ, McCarty DR, Koch KE. Maize domestication phenotypes reveal strigolactone networks coordinating grain size evolution with kernel-bearing cupule architecture. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1013-1037. [PMID: 36573016 PMCID: PMC10015167 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The maize (Zea mays) ear represents one of the most striking domestication phenotypes in any crop species, with the cob conferring an exceptional yield advantage over the ancestral form of teosinte. Remodeling of the grain-bearing surface required profound developmental changes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and can only be partly attributed to the known domestication gene Teosinte glume architecture 1 (Tga1). Here we show that a more complete conversion involves strigolactones (SLs), and that these are prominent players not only in the Tga1 phenotype but also other domestication features of the ear and kernel. Genetic combinations of a teosinte tga1 allele with three SL-related mutants progressively enhanced ancestral morphologies. The SL mutants, in addition to modulating the tga1 phenotype, also reshaped kernel-bearing pedicels and cupules in a teosinte-like manner. Genetic and molecular evidence are consistent with SL regulation of TGA1, including direct interaction of TGA1 with components of the SL-signaling system shown here to mediate TGA1 availability by sequestration. Roles of the SL network extend to enhancing maize seed size and, importantly, coordinating increased kernel growth with remodeling of protective maternal tissues. Collectively, our data show that SLs have central roles in releasing kernels from restrictive maternal encasement and coordinating other factors that increase kernel size, physical support, and their exposure on the grain-bearing surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahn-Chou Guan
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Changsheng Li
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 100 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Sherry Flint-Garcia
- United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Masaharu Suzuki
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Shan Wu
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Jonathan W Saunders
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Lemeng Dong
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 100 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Harro J Bouwmeester
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 100 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Donald R McCarty
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Karen E Koch
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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8
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Liu Y, Chu C. Improving maize seed protein content and nitrogen-use efficiency by a teosinte asparagine synthetase. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:497-499. [PMID: 36461635 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengcai Chu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Enhancing Resource Use Efficiency of Crops in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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Niu L, Liu L, Zhang J, Scali M, Wang W, Hu X, Wu X. Genetic Engineering of Starch Biosynthesis in Maize Seeds for Efficient Enzymatic Digestion of Starch during Bioethanol Production. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043927. [PMID: 36835340 PMCID: PMC9967003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize accumulates large amounts of starch in seeds which have been used as food for human and animals. Maize starch is an importantly industrial raw material for bioethanol production. One critical step in bioethanol production is degrading starch to oligosaccharides and glucose by α-amylase and glucoamylase. This step usually requires high temperature and additional equipment, leading to an increased production cost. Currently, there remains a lack of specially designed maize cultivars with optimized starch (amylose and amylopectin) compositions for bioethanol production. We discussed the features of starch granules suitable for efficient enzymatic digestion. Thus far, great advances have been made in molecular characterization of the key proteins involved in starch metabolism in maize seeds. The review explores how these proteins affect starch metabolism pathway, especially in controlling the composition, size and features of starch. We highlight the roles of key enzymes in controlling amylose/amylopectin ratio and granules architecture. Based on current technological process of bioethanol production using maize starch, we propose that several key enzymes can be modified in abundance or activities via genetic engineering to synthesize easily degraded starch granules in maize seeds. The review provides a clue for developing special maize cultivars as raw material in the bioethanol industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangjie Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Liangwei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Key Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering of Agricultural Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jinghua Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Monica Scali
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Wei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Xiuli Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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10
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Weevil Carbohydrate Intake Triggers Endosymbiont Proliferation: A Trade-Off between Host Benefit and Endosymbiont Burden. mBio 2023; 14:e0333322. [PMID: 36779765 PMCID: PMC10127669 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03333-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional symbioses between insects and intracellular bacteria (endosymbionts) are a major force of adaptation, allowing animals to colonize nutrient-poor ecological niches. Many beetles feeding on tyrosine-poor substrates rely on a surplus of aromatic amino acids produced by bacterial endosymbionts. This surplus of aromatic amino acids is crucial for the biosynthesis of a thick exoskeleton, the cuticle, which is made of a matrix of chitin with proteins and pigments built from tyrosine-derived molecules, providing an important defensive barrier against biotic and abiotic stress. Other endosymbiont-related advantages for beetles include faster development and improved fecundity. The association between Sitophilus oryzae and the Sodalis pierantonius endosymbiont represents a unique case study among beetles: endosymbionts undergo an exponential proliferation in young adults concomitant with the cuticle tanning, and then they are fully eliminated. While endosymbiont clearance, as well as total endosymbiont titer, are host-controlled processes, the mechanism triggering endosymbiont exponential proliferation remains poorly understood. Here, we show that endosymbiont exponential proliferation relies on host carbohydrate intake, unlike the total endosymbiont titer or the endosymbiont clearance, which are under host genetic control. Remarkably, insect fecundity was preserved, and the cuticle tanning was achieved, even when endosymbiont exponential proliferation was experimentally blocked, except in the context of a severely unbalanced diet. Moreover, a high endosymbiont titer coupled with nutrient shortage dramatically impacted host survival, revealing possible environment-dependent disadvantages for the host, likely due to the high energy cost of exponentially proliferating endosymbionts. IMPORTANCE Beetles thriving on tyrosine-poor diet sources often develop mutualistic associations with endosymbionts able to synthesize aromatic amino acids. This surplus of aromatic amino acids is used to reinforce the insect's protective cuticle. An exceptional feature of the Sitophilus oryzae/Sodalis pierantonius interaction is the exponential increase in endosymbiotic titer observed in young adult insects, in concomitance with cuticle biosynthesis. Here, we show that host carbohydrate intake triggers endosymbiont exponential proliferation, even in conditions that lead to the detriment of the host survival. In addition, when hosts thrive on a balanced diet, endosymbiont proliferation is dispensable for several host fitness traits. The endosymbiont exponential proliferation is therefore dependent on the nutritional status of the host, and its consequences on host cuticle biosynthesis and survival depend on food quality and availability.
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11
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Arcalís E, Hörmann-Dietrich U, Stöger E. Multiscale imaging reveals the presence of autophagic vacuoles in developing maize endosperm. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1082890. [PMID: 36684761 PMCID: PMC9853038 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1082890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cereal endosperm is solely devoted to the storage of proteins and starch that will be used by the embryo upon germination. The high degree of specialization of this tissue is reflected in its endomembrane system, in which ER derived protein bodies and protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) are of particular interest. In maize seeds, the main storage proteins are zeins, that form transport incompetent aggregates within the ER lumen and finally build protein bodies that bud from the ER. In contrast to the zeins, the maize globulins are not very abundant and the vacuolar storage compartment of maize endosperm is not fully described. Whereas in other cereals, including wheat and barley, the PSV serves as the main protein storage compartment, only small, globulin-containing PSVs have been identified in maize so far. We present here a multi-scale set of data, ranging from live-cell imaging to more sophisticated 3D electron microscopy techniques (SBF-SEM), that has allowed us to investigate in detail the vacuoles in maize endosperm cells, including a novel, autophagic vacuole that is present in early developmental stages.
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12
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Lu J, Zhen S, Zhang J, Xie Y, He C, Wang X, Wang Z, Zhang S, Li Y, Cui Y, Wang G, Wang J, Liu J, Li L, Gu R, Zheng X, Fu J. Combined population transcriptomic and genomic analysis reveals cis-regulatory differentiation of non-coding RNAs in maize. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:16. [PMID: 36662257 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA), cis-acting expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL), maize, regulatory evolution. The law of genetic variation during domestication explains the evolutionary mechanism and provides a theoretical basis for improving existing varieties of maize. Previous studies focused on exploiting regulatory variations controlling the expression of protein-coding genes rather than of non-protein-coding genes. Here, we examined the genetic and evolutionary features of long non-coding RNAs from intergenic regions (long intergenic non-coding RNAs, lincRNAs) using population-scale transcriptome data and identified 1168 lincRNAs with cis-acting expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTLs). We found that lincRNAs are more likely to be regulated by cis-eQTLs, which exert stronger effects than the protein-coding genes. During maize domestication and improvement, upregulated alleles of lincRNAs, which originated from both standing variation and new mutation, accumulate more frequently and show larger effect sizes than the coding genes. A stronger signature of genetic differentiation was observed in their regulatory regions compared to those of randomly sampled lincRNAs. In addition, we found that cis-regulatory differentiation of lincRNAs is related to the sequence conservation of lincRNA transcripts. Non-conserved lincRNAs more tend to gain upregulated alleles and show a stronger relationship with selected traits than conserved lincRNAs between maize and its wild relatives. Our findings in maize improve the understanding of cis-regulatory variation in lincRNA genes during domestication and improvement and provide an effective approach for prioritizing candidates for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Lu
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Sihan Zhen
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yuxin Xie
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Cheng He
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zheyuan Wang
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Lin Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Riliang Gu
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Innovation Center for Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zheng
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, 572024, China.
- International Rice Research Institute, DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines.
| | - Junjie Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
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13
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Huang Y, Wang H, Zhu Y, Huang X, Li S, Wu X, Zhao Y, Bao Z, Qin L, Jin Y, Cui Y, Ma G, Xiao Q, Wang Q, Wang J, Yang X, Liu H, Lu X, Larkins BA, Wang W, Wu Y. THP9 enhances seed protein content and nitrogen-use efficiency in maize. Nature 2022; 612:292-300. [PMID: 36385527 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Teosinte, the wild ancestor of maize (Zea mays subsp. mays), has three times the seed protein content of most modern inbreds and hybrids, but the mechanisms that are responsible for this trait are unknown1,2. Here we use trio binning to create a contiguous haplotype DNA sequence of a teosinte (Zea mays subsp. parviglumis) and, through map-based cloning, identify a major high-protein quantitative trait locus, TEOSINTE HIGH PROTEIN 9 (THP9), on chromosome 9. THP9 encodes an asparagine synthetase 4 enzyme that is highly expressed in teosinte, but not in the B73 inbred, in which a deletion in the tenth intron of THP9-B73 causes incorrect splicing of THP9-B73 transcripts. Transgenic expression of THP9-teosinte in B73 significantly increased the seed protein content. Introgression of THP9-teosinte into modern maize inbreds and hybrids greatly enhanced the accumulation of free amino acids, especially asparagine, throughout the plant, and increased seed protein content without affecting yield. THP9-teosinte seems to increase nitrogen-use efficiency, which is important for promoting a high yield under low-nitrogen conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongcai Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihai Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yidong Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Zhigui Bao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Qin
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongbo Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahui Cui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangjin Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuerong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Hongjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Xiaoduo Lu
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Brian A Larkins
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Wenqin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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14
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A gene variant in maize that increases protein content. Nature 2022:10.1038/d41586-022-03336-w. [PMID: 36385284 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-03336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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15
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easyMF: A Web Platform for Matrix Factorization-Based Gene Discovery from Large-scale Transcriptome Data. Interdiscip Sci 2022; 14:746-758. [PMID: 35585280 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-022-00522-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
With the development of high-throughput experimental technologies, large-scale RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data have been and continue to be produced, but have led to challenges in extracting relevant biological knowledge hidden in the produced high-dimensional gene expression matrices. Here, we develop easyMF ( https://github.com/cma2015/easyMF ), a web platform that can facilitate functional gene discovery from large-scale transcriptome data using matrix factorization (MF) algorithms. Compared with existing MF-based software packages, easyMF exhibits several promising features, such as greater functionality, flexibility and ease of use. The easyMF platform is equipped using the Big-Data-supported Galaxy system with user-friendly graphic user interfaces, allowing users with little programming experience to streamline transcriptome analysis from raw reads to gene expression, carry out multiple-scenario MF analysis, and perform multiple-way MF-based gene discovery. easyMF is also powered with the advanced packing technology to enhance ease of use under different operating systems and computational environments. We illustrated the application of easyMF for seed gene discovery from temporal, spatial, and integrated RNA-Seq datasets of maize (Zea mays L.), resulting in the identification of 3,167 seed stage-specific, 1,849 seed compartment-specific, and 774 seed-specific genes, respectively. The present results also indicated that easyMF can prioritize seed-related genes with superior prediction performance over the state-of-art network-based gene prioritization system MaizeNet. As a modular, containerized and open-source platform, easyMF can be further customized to satisfy users' specific demands of functional gene discovery and deployed as a web service for broad applications.
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16
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Chen L, Du M, Wang L, Yu W, Chen Y, Cheng B, Wu J. Maize STARCH SYNTHESIS REGULATING PROTEIN1 positively regulates starch biosynthesis in rice endosperm. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2022; 49:773-783. [PMID: 35491402 DOI: 10.1071/fp21338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Starch is a major component of the endosperm, directly determining grain yield and quality. Although the key enzymes of starch synthesis have been identified and characterised, the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identified the novel maize STARCH SYNTHESIS REGULATING PROTEIN1 (ZmSSRP1 ), which encodes a typical carbohydrate-binding module 48 (CBM48) protein. Expression analysis revealed that ZmSSRP1 was highly expressed in the maize endosperm, while transient expression in maize leaf protoplasts showed localisation in the plastids, dependent on the N-terminal transit peptide. In addition, overexpression of ZmSSRP1 in rice resulted in a decrease in grain thickness and the 1000-grain weight, as well as affecting the starch content and structure of the rice endosperm. The physicochemical properties of starch in the rice endosperm were also altered compared with the wild-type seeds. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was subsequently performed to determine the expression of starch synthesis-related genes, revealing upregulation of mRNA expression of most genes in the transgenic compared with wild-type lines. Collectively, these findings suggest that ZmSSRP1 acts as a potential regulator of starch synthesis, providing new insight for molecular breeding of high-yielding high-quality maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Du
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; and Shanghai Zhongke Quanyin Molecular Breeding Technology, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Long Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yirong Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Beijiu Cheng
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Jiandong Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
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17
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A Maize CBM Domain Containing the Protein ZmCBM48-1 Positively Regulates Starch Synthesis in the Rice Endosperm. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126598. [PMID: 35743040 PMCID: PMC9223709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Starch directly determines the grain yield and quality. The key enzymes participating in the process of starch synthesis have been cloned and characterized. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanisms of starch synthesis remain unclear. In this study, we identified a novel starch regulatory gene, ZmCBM48-1, which contained a carbohydrate-binding module 48 (CBM48) domain. ZmCBM48-1 was highly expressed in the maize endosperm and was localized in the plastids. Compared with the wild type lines, the overexpression of ZmCBM48-1 in rice altered the grain size and 1000-grain weight, increased the starch content, and decreased the soluble sugar content. Additionally, the transgenic rice seeds exhibited an alterant endosperm cell shape and starch structure. Meanwhile, the physicochemical characteristics (gelatinization properties) of starch were influenced in the transgenic lines of the endosperm compared with the wild type seeds. Furthermore, ZmCBM48-1 played a positive regulatory role in the starch synthesis pathway by up-regulating several starch synthesis-related genes. Collectively, the results presented here suggest that ZmCBM48-1 acts as a key regulatory factor in starch synthesis, and could be helpful for devising strategies for modulating starch production for a high yield and good quality in maize endosperm.
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18
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Variability in changes of acrylamide precursors during nixtamalization for masa production. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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19
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Ji C, Xu L, Li Y, Fu Y, Li S, Wang Q, Zeng X, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wang W, Wang J, Wu Y. The O2-ZmGRAS11 transcriptional regulatory network orchestrates the coordination of endosperm cell expansion and grain filling in maize. MOLECULAR PLANT 2022; 15:468-487. [PMID: 34848346 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) endosperm filling is coordinated with cell expansion to enlarge the grain size, but the mechanism coupling the two processes is poorly understood. Starchy endosperm cells basically contain no visible vacuoles for cell expansion. During grain filling, efficient synthesis of storage compounds leads to reduced cytoplasm and thus lowered cell turgor pressure. Although bioactive gibberellins (GAs) are essential for cell expansion, they accumulate at a low level at this stage. In this study, we identified an endosperm-specific GRAS domain-containing protein (ZmGRAS11) that lacks the DELLA domain and promotes cell expansion in the filling endosperm. The zmgras11 loss-of-function mutants showed normal grain filling but delayed cell expansion, thereby resulting in reduced kernel size and weight. Overexpression of ZmGRAS11 led to larger endosperm cells and therefore increased kernel size and weight. Consistent with this, ZmGRAS11 positively regulates the expression of ZmEXPB12, which is essential for cell expansion, at the endosperm filling stage. Moreover, we found that Opaque2 (O2), a central transcription factor that regulates endosperm filling, could directly bind to the promoter of ZmGRAS11 and activate its expression. Taken together, these results suggest that endosperm cell expansion is coupled with endosperm filling, which is orchestrated by the O2-ZmGRAS11-centered transcriptional regulatory network. Our findings also provide potential targets for maize yield improvement by increasing the storage capacity of endosperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lina Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yujie Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxin Fu
- Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shuai Li
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xing Zeng
- College of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhongqin Zhang
- Hebei Sub-center of the Chinese National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- College of Life Science, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China.
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20
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Genetic Architecture of Grain Yield-Related Traits in Sorghum and Maize. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052405. [PMID: 35269548 PMCID: PMC8909957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Grain size, grain number per panicle, and grain weight are crucial determinants of yield-related traits in cereals. Understanding the genetic basis of grain yield-related traits has been the main research object and nodal in crop science. Sorghum and maize, as very close C4 crops with high photosynthetic rates, stress tolerance and large biomass characteristics, are extensively used to produce food, feed, and biofuels worldwide. In this review, we comprehensively summarize a large number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain yield in sorghum and maize. We placed great emphasis on discussing 22 fine-mapped QTLs and 30 functionally characterized genes, which greatly hinders our deep understanding at the molecular mechanism level. This review provides a general overview of the comprehensive findings on grain yield QTLs and discusses the emerging trend in molecular marker-assisted breeding with these QTLs.
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21
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Xu G, Zhang X, Chen W, Zhang R, Li Z, Wen W, Warburton ML, Li J, Li H, Yang X. Population genomics of Zea species identifies selection signatures during maize domestication and adaptation. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:72. [PMID: 35180846 PMCID: PMC8855575 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03427-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maize (Zea mays L. ssp. mays) was domesticated from teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) about 9000 years ago in southwestern Mexico and adapted to a range of environments worldwide. Researchers have depicted the maize domestication and adaptation processes over the past two decades, but efforts have been limited either in sample size or genetic diversity. To better understand these processes, we conducted a genome-wide survey of 982 maize inbred lines and 190 teosinte accessions using over 40,000 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. RESULTS Population structure, principal component analysis, and phylogenetic trees all confirmed the evolutionary relationship between maize and teosinte, and determined the evolutionary lineage of all species within teosinte. Shared haplotype analysis showed similar levels of ancestral alleles from Zea mays ssp. parviglumis and Zea mays ssp. mexicana in maize. Scans for selection signatures identified 394 domestication sweeps by comparing wild and cultivated maize and 360 adaptation sweeps by comparing tropical and temperate maize. Permutation tests revealed that the public association signals for flowering time were highly enriched in the domestication and adaptation sweeps. Genome-wide association study identified 125 loci significantly associated with flowering-time traits, ten of which identified candidate genes that have undergone selection during maize adaptation. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we characterized the history of maize domestication and adaptation at the population genomic level and identified hundreds of domestication and adaptation sweeps. This study extends the molecular mechanism of maize domestication and adaptation, and provides resources for basic research and genetic improvement in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wenkang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Renyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Marilyn L Warburton
- United States of Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit, Box 9555, Mississippi, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Jiansheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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22
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Shrestha V, Yobi A, Slaten ML, Chan YO, Holden S, Gyawali A, Flint-Garcia S, Lipka AE, Angelovici R. Multiomics approach reveals a role of translational machinery in shaping maize kernel amino acid composition. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:111-133. [PMID: 34618082 PMCID: PMC8774818 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) seeds are a good source of protein, despite being deficient in several essential amino acids. However, eliminating the highly abundant but poorly balanced seed storage proteins has revealed that the regulation of seed amino acids is complex and does not rely on only a handful of proteins. In this study, we used two complementary omics-based approaches to shed light on the genes and biological processes that underlie the regulation of seed amino acid composition. We first conducted a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes involved in the natural variation of seed protein-bound amino acids. We then used weighted gene correlation network analysis to associate protein expression with seed amino acid composition dynamics during kernel development and maturation. We found that almost half of the proteome was significantly reduced during kernel development and maturation, including several translational machinery components such as ribosomal proteins, which strongly suggests translational reprogramming. The reduction was significantly associated with a decrease in several amino acids, including lysine and methionine, pointing to their role in shaping the seed amino acid composition. When we compared the candidate gene lists generated from both approaches, we found a nonrandom overlap of 80 genes. A functional analysis of these genes showed a tight interconnected cluster dominated by translational machinery genes, especially ribosomal proteins, further supporting the role of translation dynamics in shaping seed amino acid composition. These findings strongly suggest that seed biofortification strategies that target the translation machinery dynamics should be considered and explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Shrestha
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Abou Yobi
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Marianne L Slaten
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Yen On Chan
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Samuel Holden
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Abiskar Gyawali
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Sherry Flint-Garcia
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Alexander E Lipka
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ruthie Angelovici
- Division of Biological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
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23
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Roodt D. Multi-omics approach highlights new targets for amino acid composition change in maize kernels. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:22-23. [PMID: 35051285 PMCID: PMC8774733 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Roodt
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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24
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Gómez-Fernández A, Osborne CP, Rees M, Palomino J, Ingala C, Gómez G, Milla R. Disparities among crop species in the evolution of growth rates: the role of distinct origins and domestication histories. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 233:995-1010. [PMID: 34726792 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Growth rates vary widely among plants with different strategies. For crops, evolution under predictable and high-resource environments might favour rapid resource acquisition and growth, but whether this strategy has consistently evolved during domestication and improvement remains unclear. Here we report a comprehensive study of the evolution of growth rates based on comparisons among wild, landrace, and improved accessions of 19 herbaceous crops grown under common conditions. We also examined the underlying growth components and the influence of crop origin and history on growth evolution. Domestication and improvement did not affect growth consistently, that is growth rates increased or decreased or remained unchanged in different crops. Crops selected for fruits increased the physiological component of growth (net assimilation rate), whereas leaf and seed crops showed larger domestication effects on morphology (leaf mass ratio and specific leaf area). Moreover, climate and phylogeny contributed to explaining the effects of domestication and changes in growth. Crop-specific responses to domestication and improvement suggest that selection for high yield has not consistently changed growth rates. The trade-offs between morpho-physiological traits and the distinct origins and histories of crops accounted for the variability in growth changes. These findings have far-reaching implications for our understanding of crop performance and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gómez-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Colin P Osborne
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Mark Rees
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Javier Palomino
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Carlos Ingala
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Guillermo Gómez
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Rubén Milla
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
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25
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Silva-Fernández SE, García-Lara S, Serna-Saldívar SO. Physicochemical characterization of the anatomical structures of teosinte (Zea mays subsp. mexicana) covered caryopses. J Cereal Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2021.103353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Trihelix Transcription Factor ZmThx20 Is Required for Kernel Development in Maize. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212137. [PMID: 34830019 PMCID: PMC8624104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize kernels are the harvested portion of the plant and are related to the yield and quality of maize. The endosperm of maize is a large storage organ that constitutes 80–90% of the dry weight of mature kernels. Maize kernels have long been the study of cereal grain development to increase yield. In this study, a natural mutation that causes abnormal kernel development, and displays a shrunken kernel phenotype, was identified and named “shrunken 2008 (sh2008)”. The starch grains in sh2008 are loose and have a less proteinaceous matrix surrounding them. The total storage protein and the major storage protein zeins are ~70% of that in the wild-type control (WT); in particular, the 19 kDa and 22 kDa α-zeins. Map-based cloning revealed that sh2008 encodes a GT-2 trihelix transcription factor, ZmThx20. Using CRISPR/Cas9, two other alleles with mutated ZmThx20 were found to have the same abnormal kernel. Shrunken kernels can be rescued by overexpressing normal ZmThx20. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the kernels from sh2008 and WT showed that the GO terms of translation, ribosome, and nutrient reservoir activity were enriched in the down-regulated genes (sh2008/WT). In short, these changes can lead to defects in endosperm development and storage reserve filling in seeds.
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27
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Burns MJ, Renk JS, Eickholt DP, Gilbert AM, Hattery TJ, Holmes M, Anderson N, Waters AJ, Kalambur S, Flint-Garcia SA, Yandeau-Nelson MD, Annor GA, Hirsch CN. Predicting moisture content during maize nixtamalization using machine learning with NIR spectroscopy. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2021; 134:3743-3757. [PMID: 34345971 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-021-03926-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Moisture content during nixtamalization can be accurately predicted from NIR spectroscopy when coupled with a support vector machine (SVM) model, is strongly modulated by the environment, and has a complex genetic architecture. Lack of high-throughput phenotyping systems for determining moisture content during the maize nixtamalization cooking process has led to difficulty in breeding for this trait. This study provides a high-throughput, quantitative measure of kernel moisture content during nixtamalization based on NIR scanning of uncooked maize kernels. Machine learning was utilized to develop models based on the combination of NIR spectra and moisture content determined from a scaled-down benchtop cook method. A linear support vector machine (SVM) model with a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.852 between wet laboratory and predicted values was developed from 100 diverse temperate genotypes grown in replicate across two environments. This model was applied to NIR spectra data from 501 diverse temperate genotypes grown in replicate in five environments. Analysis of variance revealed environment explained the highest percent of the variation (51.5%), followed by genotype (15.6%) and genotype-by-environment interaction (11.2%). A genome-wide association study identified 26 significant loci across five environments that explained between 5.04% and 16.01% (average = 10.41%). However, genome-wide markers explained 10.54% to 45.99% (average = 31.68%) of the variation, indicating the genetic architecture of this trait is likely complex and controlled by many loci of small effect. This study provides a high-throughput method to evaluate moisture content during nixtamalization that is feasible at the scale of a breeding program and provides important information about the factors contributing to variation of this trait for breeders and food companies to make future strategies to improve this important processing trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Burns
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Jonathan S Renk
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | | | - Amanda M Gilbert
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Travis J Hattery
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Mark Holmes
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sherry A Flint-Garcia
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Marna D Yandeau-Nelson
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - George A Annor
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Candice N Hirsch
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
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28
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Perkins AC, Lynch JP. Increased seminal root number associated with domestication improves nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition in maize seedlings. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2021; 128:453-468. [PMID: 34120166 PMCID: PMC8414917 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Domesticated maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) generally forms between two and six seminal roots, while its wild ancestor, Mexican annual teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis), typically lacks seminal roots. Maize also produces larger seeds than teosinte, and it generally has higher growth rates as a seedling. Maize was originally domesticated in the tropical soils of southern Mexico, but it was later brought to the Mexican highlands before spreading to other parts of the continent, where it experienced different soil resource constraints. The aims of this study were to understand the impacts of increased seminal root number on seedling nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition and to model how differences in maize and teosinte phenotypes might have contributed to increased seminal root number in domesticated maize. METHODS Seedling root system architectural models of a teosinte accession and a maize landrace were constructed by parameterizing the functional-structural plant model OpenSimRoot using plants grown in mesocosms. Seedling growth was simulated in a low-phosphorus environment, multiple low-nitrogen environments, and at variable planting densities. Models were also constructed to combine individual components of the maize and teosinte phenotypes. KEY RESULTS Seminal roots contributed ~35 % of the nitrogen and phosphorus acquired by maize landrace seedlings in the first 25 d after planting. Increased seminal root number improved plant nitrogen acquisition under low-nitrogen environments with varying precipitation patterns, fertilization rates, soil textures and planting densities. Models suggested that the optimal number of seminal roots for nutrient acquisition in teosinte is constrained by its limited seed carbohydrate reserves. CONCLUSIONS Seminal roots can improve the acquisition of both nitrogen and phosphorus in maize seedlings, and the increase in seed size associated with maize domestication may have facilitated increased seminal root number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alden C Perkins
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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29
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Zhao Z, Li S, Ji C, Zhou Y, Li C, Wang W. Genetic Variation of the Serine Acetyltransferase Gene Family for Sulfur Assimilation in Maize. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:437. [PMID: 33808582 PMCID: PMC8003530 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving sulfur assimilation in maize kernels is essential due to humans and animals' inability to synthesize methionine. Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) is a critical enzyme that controls cystine biosynthesis in plants. In this study, all SAT gene members were genome-wide characterized by using a sequence homology search. The RNA-seq quantification indicates that they are highly expressed in leaves, other than root and seeds, consistent with their biological functions in sulfur assimilation. With the recently released 25 genomes of nested association mapping (NAM) founders representing the diverse maize stock, we had the opportunity to investigate the SAT genetic variation comprehensively. The abundant transposon insertions into SAT genes indicate their driving power in terms of gene structure and genome evolution. We found that the transposon insertion into exons could change SAT gene transcription, whereas there was no significant correlation between transposable element (TE) insertion into introns and their gene expression, indicating that other regulatory elements such as promoters could also be involved. Understanding the SAT gene structure, gene expression and genetic variation involved in natural selection and species adaption could precisely guide genetic engineering to manipulate sulfur assimilation in maize and to improve nutritional quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixuan Zhao
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Z.Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Shuai Li
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Z.Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; (C.J.); (Y.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Yong Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; (C.J.); (Y.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Changsheng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; (C.J.); (Y.Z.); (C.L.)
| | - Wenqin Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Z.Z.); (S.L.)
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30
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Shawa H, Biljon A, Labuschagne MT. Protein quality and quantity of quality protein maize (QPM) and non‐QPM hybrids under optimal and low nitrogen conditions. Cereal Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cche.10390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Shawa
- Department of Plant Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
| | - Angeline Biljon
- Department of Plant Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
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31
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Compositional Analyses Reveal Relationships among Components of Blue Maize Grains. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9121775. [PMID: 33327625 PMCID: PMC7765092 DOI: 10.3390/plants9121775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One aim of this experiment was to develop NIR calibrations for 20-grain components in 143 pigmented maize samples evaluated in four locations across New Mexico during 2013 and 2014. Based on reference analysis, prediction models were developed using principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS). The predictive ability of calibrations was generally low, with the calibrations for methionine and glycine performing best by PCR and PLS. The second aim was to explore the relationships among grain constituents. In PCA, the first three PCs explained 49.62, 22.20, and 6.92% of the total variance and tend to align with nitrogen-containing compounds (amino acids), carbon-rich compounds (starch, anthocyanin, fiber, and fat), and sulfur-containing compounds (cysteine and methionine), respectively. Correlations among traits were identified, and these relationships were illustrated by a correlation network. Some relationships among components were driven by common synthetic origins, for example, among amino acids derived from pyruvate. Similarly, anthocyanins, crude fat, and fatty acids all share malonyl CoA in their biosynthetic pathways and were correlated. In contrast, crude fiber and starch have similar biosynthetic origins but were negatively correlated, and this may have been due to their different functional roles in structure and energy storage, respectively.
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32
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Carrière Y, Degain BA, Harpold VS, Unnithan GC, Tabashnik BE. Gene Flow Between Bt and Non-Bt Plants in a Seed Mixture Increases Dominance of Resistance to Pyramided Bt Corn in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:2041-2051. [PMID: 32582955 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
For delaying evolution of pest resistance to transgenic corn producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, limited data are available to compare the effectiveness of refuges of non-Bt corn planted in seed mixtures versus blocks. Here we addressed this issue in the ear-feeding pest Helicoverpa zea Boddie by measuring its survival and development in the laboratory on ears from field plots with 90% Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab corn and 10% non-Bt corn planted in a seed mixture or blocks. We compared a strain of H. zea selected for resistance to Cry1Ac in the laboratory, its parent strain not selected in the laboratory, and their F1 progeny. The relative survival of the F1 progeny and dominance of resistance were higher on ears from Bt plants in the seed mixture than the block. Half of the kernels in ears from non-Bt plants in the seed mixture produced both Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab. However, survival on ears from non-Bt plants did not differ between the block and seed mixture. In simulations based on the observed survival, resistance to Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab corn evolved faster with the seed mixture than the blocks, because of the higher dominance of resistance in the seed mixture. Increasing the refuge percentage improved durability of Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab corn more for the blocks than the seed mixture. These findings imply that, for a given percentage of non-Bt corn, resistance of H. zea and other ear-feeding pests to multi-toxin Bt corn is likely to evolve faster for seed mixtures than blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Carrière
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Ben A Degain
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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33
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Bruggeman SA, Horvath DP, Fennell AY, Gonzalez-Hernandez JL, Clay SA. Teosinte (Zea mays ssp parviglumis) growth and transcriptomic response to weed stress identifies similarities and differences between varieties and with modern maize varieties. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237715. [PMID: 32822374 PMCID: PMC7444550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomic responses of plants to weed presence gives insight on the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in the stress response. This study evaluated transcriptomic and morphological responses of two teosinte (Zea mays ssp parviglumis) (an ancestor of domesticated maize) lines (Ames 21812 and Ames 21789) to weed presence and absence during two growing seasons. Responses were compared after 6 weeks of growth in Aurora, South Dakota, USA. Plant heights between treatments were similar in Ames 21812, whereas branch number decreased when weeds were present. Ames 21789 was 45% shorter in weedy vs weed-free plots, but branch numbers were similar between treatments. Season-long biomass was reduced in response to weed stress in both lines. Common down-regulated subnetworks in weed-stressed plants were related to light, photosynthesis, and carbon cycles. Several unique response networks (e.g. aging, response to chitin) and gene sets were present in each line. Comparing transcriptomic responses of maize (determined in an adjacent study) and teosinte lines indicated three common gene ontologies up-regulated when weed-stressed: jasmonic acid response/signaling, UDP-glucosyl and glucuronyltransferases, and quercetin glucosyltransferase (3-O and 7-O). Overall, morphologic and transcriptomic differences suggest a greater varietal (rather than a conserved) response to weed stress, and implies multiple responses are possible. These findings offer insights into opportunities to define and manipulate gene expression of several different pathways of modern maize varieties to improve performance under weedy conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. A. Bruggeman
- Biology Department, St. Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, United States of America
| | - D. P. Horvath
- USDA-ARS-ETSARC, Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit, Fargo, ND, United States of America
| | - A. Y. Fennell
- Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States of America
| | - J. L. Gonzalez-Hernandez
- Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States of America
| | - S. A. Clay
- Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States of America
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34
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Arcalís E, Hörmann-Dietrich U, Zeh L, Stoger E. 3D Electron Microscopy Gives a Clue: Maize Zein Bodies Bud From Central Areas of ER Sheets. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:809. [PMID: 32595683 PMCID: PMC7301906 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Zeins are the main storage proteins in maize seed endosperm, and the onset of zein synthesis in young seeds challenges the endomembrane system and results in the formation of storage organelles. Even though zeins lack a conventional endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal, they accumulate within the ER and assemble in conspicuous ER-derived protein bodies (PBs) stabilized by disulfide bridge formation and hydrophobic interaction between zein chains. Zein body formation during seed development has been extensively studied, as well as the mechanisms that lead to the initiation of PBs. However, the exact course of the PB formation process and the spatial relationship with the ER remain unclear. The development of serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) techniques that allow three-dimensional imaging combined with the high resolution of electron microscopy provides new perspectives on the study of the plant endomembrane system. Here, we demonstrate that (i) the ER of maize seeds is mainly formed by massive sheets and (ii) PBs are not budding from tubules or the edge of sheets, but protrude from the entire surface of the ER sheet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eva Stoger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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35
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Li C, Song R. The regulation of zein biosynthesis in maize endosperm. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2020; 133:1443-1453. [PMID: 31897513 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-019-03520-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We review the current knowledge regarding the regulation of zein storage proteins biosynthesis and protein body formation, which are crucial processes for the successful accumulation of nutrients in maize kernels. Storage proteins in the seeds of crops in the grass family (Poaceae) are a major source of dietary protein for humans. In maize (Zea mays), proteins are the second largest nutrient component in the kernels, accounting for ~ 10% of the kernel weight. Over half of the storage proteins in maize kernels are zeins, which lack two essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan. This deficiency limits the use of maize proteins in the food and feed industries. Zeins are encoded by a large super-gene family. During endosperm development, zeins accumulate in protein bodies, which are derived from the rough endoplasmic reticulum. In recent years, our knowledge of the pathways of zein biosynthesis and their deposition within the endosperm has been greatly expanded. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of zeins, including the genes encoding these proteins, their expression patterns and transcriptional regulation, the process of protein body formation, and other biological processes affecting zein accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaobin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Rentao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Fang H, Fu X, Wang Y, Xu J, Feng H, Li W, Xu J, Jittham O, Zhang X, Zhang L, Yang N, Xu G, Wang M, Li X, Li J, Yan J, Yang X. Genetic basis of kernel nutritional traits during maize domestication and improvement. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 101:278-292. [PMID: 31529523 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The nutritional traits of maize kernels are important for human and animal nutrition, and these traits have undergone selection to meet the diverse nutritional needs of humans. However, our knowledge of the genetic basis of selecting for kernel nutritional traits is limited. Here, we identified both single and epistatic quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that contributed to the differences of oil and carotenoid traits between maize and teosinte. Over half of teosinte alleles of single QTLs increased the values of the detected oil and carotenoid traits. Based on the pleiotropism or linkage information of the identified single QTLs, we constructed a trait-locus network to help clarify the genetic basis of correlations among oil and carotenoid traits. Furthermore, the selection features and evolutionary trajectories of the genes or loci underlying variations in oil and carotenoid traits revealed that these nutritional traits produced diverse selection events during maize domestication and improvement. To illustrate more, a mutator distance-relative transposable element (TE) in intron 1 of DXS2, which encoded a rate-limiting enzyme in the methylerythritol phosphate pathway, was identified to increase carotenoid biosynthesis by enhancing DXS2 expression. This TE occurs in the grass teosinte, and has been found to have undergone selection during maize domestication and improvement, and is almost fixed in yellow maize. Our findings not only provide important insights into evolutionary changes in nutritional traits, but also highlight the feasibility of reintroducing back into commercial agricultural germplasm those nutritionally important genes hidden in wild relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiuyi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yuebin Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Haiying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jieting Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Orawan Jittham
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Gen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, National Maize Improvement Center of China, MOA Key Laboratory of Maize Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Fontes-Puebla AA, Bernal JS. Resistance and Tolerance to Root Herbivory in Maize Were Mediated by Domestication, Spread, and Breeding. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:223. [PMID: 32174953 PMCID: PMC7056747 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Plants may defend against herbivory and disease through various means. Plant defensive strategies against herbivores include resistance and tolerance, which may have metabolic costs that affect plant growth and reproduction. Thus, expression of these strategies may be mediated by a variety of factors, such as resource availability, herbivory pressure, and plant genetic variation, among others. Additionally, artificial selection by farmers and systematic breeding by scientists may mediate the expression of resistance and tolerance in crop plants. In this study, we tested whether maize defense against Western corn rootworm (WCR) was mediated by the crop's domestication, spread, and modern breeding. We expected to find a trend of decreasing resistance to WCR with maize domestication, spread, and breeding, and a trend of increasing tolerance with decreasing resistance. To test our expectations, we compared resistance and tolerance among four Zea plants spanning those processes: Balsas teosinte, Mexican landrace maize, US landrace maize, and US inbred maize. We measured the performance of WCR larvae as a proxy for plant resistance, and plant growth as affected by WCR feeding as a proxy for plant tolerance. Our results showed that domestication and spread decreased maize resistance to WCR, as expected, whereas breeding increased maize resistance to WCR, contrary to expected. Our results also showed that maize resistance and tolerance to WCR are negatively correlated, as expected. We discussed our findings in relation to ecological-evolutionary hypotheses seeking to explain defense strategy evolution in the contexts of plant resistance-productivity trade-offs, plant tolerance-resistance trade-offs, and varying resource availability vis-à-vis plant physiological stress and herbivory pressure. Finally, we suggested that defense strategy evolution in maize, from domestication to the present, is predicted by those ecological-evolutionary hypotheses.
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Khan NU, Sheteiwy M, Lihua N, Khan MMU, Han Z. An update on the maize zein-gene family in the post-genomics era. FOOD PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND NUTRITION 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43014-019-0012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMaize (Zea mays) is a cereal crop of global food importance. However, the deficiency of essential amino acids, more importantly lysine, methionine and tryptophan, in the major seed storage zein proteins makes corn nutritionally of low value for human consumption. The idea of improving maize nutritional value prompted the search for maize natural mutants harboring low zein contents and higher amount of lysine. These studies resulted in the identification of more than dozens of maize opaque mutants in the previous few decades,o2mutant being the most extensively studied one. However, the high lysine contents but soft kernel texture and chalky endosperm halted the widespread application and commercial success of maize opaque mutants, which ultimately paved the way for the development of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) by modifying the soft endosperm ofo2 mutant into lysine-rich hard endosperm. The previous few decades have witnessed a marked progress in maize zein research. It includes elucidation of molecular mechanism underlying the role of different zein genes in seed endosperm development by cloning different components of zein family, exploring the general organization, function and evolution of zein family members within maize species and among other cereals, and elucidating the cis- and trans-regulatory elements modulating the regulation of different molecular players of maize seed endosperm development. The current advances in high quality reference genomes of maize lines B73 and Mo17 plus the completion of ongoing pan genome sequencing projects of more maize lines with NGS technologies are expected to revolutionize maize zein gene research in near future. This review highlights the recent advances in QPM development and its practical application in the post genomic era, genomic and physical composition and evolution of zein family, and expression, regulation and downstream role of zein genes in endosperm development. Moreover, recent genomic tools and methods developed for functional validation of maize zein genes are also discussed.Graphical abstract
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Moran E. Starch: Granule, Amylose-Amylopectin, Feed Preparation, and Recovery by the Fowl's Gastrointestinal Tract. J APPL POULTRY RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3382/japr/pfy046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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40
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Li K, Wen W, Alseekh S, Yang X, Guo H, Li W, Wang L, Pan Q, Zhan W, Liu J, Li Y, Wu X, Brotman Y, Willmitzer L, Li J, Fernie AR, Yan J. Large-scale metabolite quantitative trait locus analysis provides new insights for high-quality maize improvement. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 99:216-230. [PMID: 30888713 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
It is generally recognized that many favorable genes which were lost during domestication, including those related to both nutritional value and stress resistance, remain hidden in wild relatives. To uncover such genes in teosinte, an ancestor of maize, we conducted metabolite profiling in a BC2 F7 population generated from a cross between the maize wild relative (Zea mays ssp. mexicana) and maize inbred line Mo17. In total, 65 primary metabolites were quantified in four tissues (seedling-stage leaf, grouting-stage leaf, young kernel and mature kernel) with clear tissue-specific patterns emerging. Three hundred and fifty quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these metabolites were obtained, which were distributed unevenly across the genome and included two QTL hotspots. Metabolite concentrations frequently increased in the presence of alleles from the teosinte genome while the opposite was observed for grain yield and shape trait QTLs. Combination of the multi-tissue transcriptome and metabolome data provided considerable insight into the metabolic variations between maize and its wild relatives. This study thus identifies favorable genes hidden in the wild relative which should allow us to balance high yield and quality in future modern crop breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Centre of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, West Yuanmingyuan Lu 2, 100193, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Luxi Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingchun Pan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Lothar Willmitzer
- Centre of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, West Yuanmingyuan Lu 2, 100193, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Centre of Plant System Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Lu 1, 430070, Hongshan, Wuhan, China
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Caballero-Rothar NN, Abdala LJ, Borrás L, Gerde JA. Role of yield genetic progress on the biochemical determinants of maize kernel hardness. J Cereal Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2019.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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42
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Yobi A, Angelovici R. A High-Throughput Absolute-Level Quantification of Protein-Bound Amino Acids in Seeds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 3:e20084. [PMID: 30408333 DOI: 10.1002/cppb.20084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In this unit, we describe a high-throughput absolute quantification protocol for 16 protein-bound amino acids (PBAAs) that combines a microscale protein hydrolysis step and an absolute quantification step using multiple reaction monitoring-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection. The approach facilitates analysis of a few hundred samples per week by using a 96-well-plate extraction setup and avoiding use of additives. Importantly, the method uses only ∼3 mg of tissue per sample and includes 12 heavy-amino-acid internal standards to enable quantification of the absolute levels of PBAAs with high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. The protocol described herein has been optimized for seed samples but is applicable to other plant tissues. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abou Yobi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Ruthie Angelovici
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Li X, Han Y, Yan Y, Messing J, Xu JH. Genetic diversity and evolution of reduced sulfur storage during domestication of maize. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 94:943-955. [PMID: 29570878 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The domestication of maize has spanned a period of over 9000 years, during which time its wild relative teosinte underwent natural and artificial selection. We hypothesize that environmental conditions could have played a major role in this process. One factor of environmental variation is soil composition, which includes sulfur availability. Sulfur is reduced during photosynthesis and is used to synthesize cysteine and methionine, which drive the accumulation of δ10 (Zm00001d045937), δ18 (Zm00001d037436), β15 (Zm00001d035760), γ16 (Zm00001d005793), γ27 (Zm00001d020592), and γ50 (Zm00001d020591) zeins, representing the zein2 fraction (z2) of storage proteins in maize seeds. In this study, polymorphisms and haplotypes were detected based on six z2 genes in 60 maize and teosintes lines. Haplotypes were unevenly distributed, and abundant genetic diversity was found in teosintes. Polymorphism was highest in z2δ18, whereas for z2β15 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density and insertion/deletion (indel) abundance were the lowest, indicating differential roles in seed evolution. Indels showed a clustered distribution, and most of these derived from teosintes. The indels not only led to tandem repeat polymorphisms, but also to frameshift mutations, which could also be used as null variants. In addition, neutral evolutionary tests, phylogenetic analyses, and population structures indicated that z2δ10 and z2γ50 had undergone natural selection. Indeed, a natural selection imprint could also be found with z2γ27 and z2γ16, whereas z2δ18 and z2β15 tended to be under neutral evolution. These results suggested that genetic diversity and evolution of a subset of sulfur-rich zeins could be under environmental adaptation during maize domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Li
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yang Han
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Joachim Messing
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Jian-Hong Xu
- Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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Zavala-López M, López-Tavera E, Figueroa-Cárdenas JDD, Serna-Saldívar SO, García-Lara S. Screening of major phenolics and antioxidant activities in teosinte populations and modern maize types. J Cereal Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Karn A, Gillman JD, Flint-Garcia SA. Genetic Analysis of Teosinte Alleles for Kernel Composition Traits in Maize. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2017; 7:1157-1164. [PMID: 28188181 PMCID: PMC5386864 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.039529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) is the wild ancestor of modern maize (Zea mays ssp. mays). Teosinte contains greater genetic diversity compared with maize inbreds and landraces, but its use is limited by insufficient genetic resources to evaluate its value. A population of teosinte near isogenic lines (NILs) was previously developed to broaden the resources for genetic diversity of maize, and to discover novel alleles for agronomic and domestication traits. The 961 teosinte NILs were developed by backcrossing 10 geographically diverse parviglumis accessions into the B73 (reference genome inbred) background. The NILs were grown in two replications in 2009 and 2010 in Columbia, MO and Aurora, NY, respectively, and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance calibrations were developed and used to rapidly predict total kernel starch, protein, and oil content on a dry matter basis in bulk whole grains of teosinte NILs. Our joint-linkage quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analysis identified two starch, three protein, and six oil QTL, which collectively explained 18, 23, and 45% of the total variation, respectively. A range of strong additive allelic effects for kernel starch, protein, and oil content were identified relative to the B73 allele. Our results support our hypothesis that teosinte harbors stronger alleles for kernel composition traits than maize, and that teosinte can be exploited for the improvement of kernel composition traits in modern maize germplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Karn
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Jason D Gillman
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Sherry A Flint-Garcia
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Columbia, Missouri 65211
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Genetic Analysis of Kernel Traits in Maize-Teosinte Introgression Populations. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:2523-30. [PMID: 27317774 PMCID: PMC4978905 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.030155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Seed traits have been targeted by human selection during the domestication of crop species as a way to increase the caloric and nutritional content of food during the transition from hunter-gather to early farming societies. The primary seed trait under selection was likely seed size/weight as it is most directly related to overall grain yield. Additional seed traits involved in seed shape may have also contributed to larger grain. Maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) kernel weight has increased more than 10-fold in the 9000 years since domestication from its wild ancestor, teosinte (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis). In order to study how size and shape affect kernel weight, we analyzed kernel morphometric traits in a set of 10 maize-teosinte introgression populations using digital imaging software. We identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel area and length with moderate allelic effects that colocalize with kernel weight QTL. Several genomic regions with strong effects during maize domestication were detected, and a genetic framework for kernel traits was characterized by complex pleiotropic interactions. Our results both confirm prior reports of kernel domestication loci and identify previously uncharacterized QTL with a range of allelic effects, enabling future research into the genetic basis of these traits.
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Gene duplication confers enhanced expression of 27-kDa γ-zein for endosperm modification in quality protein maize. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:4964-9. [PMID: 27092004 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601352113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The maize opaque2 (o2) mutant has a high nutritional value but it develops a chalky endosperm that limits its practical use. Genetic selection for o2 modifiers can convert the normally chalky endosperm of the mutant into a hard, vitreous phenotype, yielding what is known as quality protein maize (QPM). Previous studies have shown that enhanced expression of 27-kDa γ-zein in QPM is essential for endosperm modification. Taking advantage of genome-wide association study analysis of a natural population, linkage mapping analysis of a recombinant inbred line population, and map-based cloning, we identified a quantitative trait locus (qγ27) affecting expression of 27-kDa γ-zein. qγ27 was mapped to the same region as the major o2 modifier (o2 modifier1) on chromosome 7 near the 27-kDa γ-zein locus. qγ27 resulted from a 15.26-kb duplication at the 27-kDa γ-zein locus, which increases the level of gene expression. This duplication occurred before maize domestication; however, the gene structure of qγ27 appears to be unstable and the DNA rearrangement frequently occurs at this locus. Because enhanced expression of 27-kDa γ-zein is critical for endosperm modification in QPM, qγ27 is expected to be under artificial selection. This discovery provides a useful molecular marker that can be used to accelerate QPM breeding.
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Bodnar AL, Schroder MN, Scott MP. Recurrent Selection for Transgene Activity Levels in Maize Results in Proxy Selection for a Native Gene with the Same Promoter. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148587. [PMID: 26895451 PMCID: PMC4760676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
High activity levels of a transgene can be very useful, making a transgene easier to evaluate for safety and efficacy. High activity levels can also increase the economic benefit of the production of high value proteins in transgenic plants. The goal of this research is to determine if recurrent selection for activity of a transgene will result in higher activity, and if selection for activity of a transgene controlled by a native promoter will also increase protein levels of the native gene with the same promoter. To accomplish this goal we used transgenic maize containing a construct encoding green fluorescent protein controlled by the promoter for the maize endosperm-specific 27 kDa gamma zein seed storage protein. We carried out recurrent selection for fluorescence intensity in two breeding populations. After three generations of selection, both selected populations were significantly more fluorescent and had significantly higher levels of 27 kDa gamma zein than the unselected control populations. These higher levels of the 27 kDa gamma zein occurred independently of the presence of the transgene. The results show that recurrent selection can be used to increase activity of a transgene and that selection for a transgene controlled by a native promoter can increase protein levels of the native gene with the same promoter via proxy selection. Moreover, the increase in native gene protein level is maintained in the absence of the transgene, demonstrating that proxy selection can be used to produce non-transgenic plants with desired changes in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia L. Bodnar
- Iowa State University Interdepartmental Genetics Program, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Megan N. Schroder
- Iowa State University Interdepartmental Genetics Program, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - M. Paul Scott
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Seed filling in domesticated maize and rice depends on SWEET-mediated hexose transport. Nat Genet 2015; 47:1489-93. [PMID: 26523777 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Carbohydrate import into seeds directly determines seed size and must have been increased through domestication. However, evidence of the domestication of sugar translocation and the identities of seed-filling transporters have been elusive. Maize ZmSWEET4c, as opposed to its sucrose-transporting homologs, mediates transepithelial hexose transport across the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL), the entry point of nutrients into the seed, and shows signatures indicative of selection during domestication. Mutants of both maize ZmSWEET4c and its rice ortholog OsSWEET4 are defective in seed filling, indicating that a lack of hexose transport at the BETL impairs further transfer of sugars imported from the maternal phloem. In both maize and rice, SWEET4 was likely recruited during domestication to enhance sugar import into the endosperm.
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Venkatesh TV, Harrigan GG, Perez T, Flint-Garcia S. Compositional assessments of key maize populations: B73 hybrids of the Nested Association Mapping founder lines and diverse landrace inbred lines. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:5282-5295. [PMID: 25966324 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study provides an assessment of the compositional diversity in maize B73 hybrids derived both from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) founder lines and from a diverse collection of landrace accessions from North and South America. The NAM founders represent a key population of publicly available lines that are used extensively in the maize community to investigate the genetic basis of complex traits. Landraces are also of interest to the maize community as they offer the potential to discover new alleles that could be incorporated into modern maize lines. The compositional analysis of B73 hybrids from the 25 NAM founders and 24 inbred lines derived from landraces included measurements of proximates (protein, fat, ash, and starch), fibers, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, tocopherols (α-, γ-, and δ-), β-carotene, phytic acid, and raffinose. Grain was harvested from a replicated trial in New York, USA. For each data set (NAM and landrace) canonical discriminant analysis allowed separation of distinct breeding groups (tropical, temperate, flint, mixed/intermediate) within each data set. Overall, results highlighted extensive variation in all composition components assessed for both sets of hybrids. The variation observed for some components within the landraces may therefore be of value for increasing their levels in modern maize lines. The study described here provided significant information on contributions of conventional breeding to crop compositional variation, as well as valuable information on key genetic resources for the maize community in the development of new improved lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George G Harrigan
- †Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
| | - Tim Perez
- †Monsanto Company, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, United States
| | - Sherry Flint-Garcia
- §Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
- #Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
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