1
|
Peng D, Pan S, Du X, Chen E, He J, Zhang Z. Central Roles of ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 in Nutrient Uptake and Storage during Maize Grain Filling. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:663. [PMID: 38927600 PMCID: PMC11203180 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Grain filling is critical for determining yield and quality, raising the question of whether central coordinators exist to facilitate the uptake and storage of various substances from maternal to filial tissues. The duplicate NAC transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 could potentially serve as central coordinators. By analyzing differentially expressed genes from zmnac128 zmnac130 mutants across different genetic backgrounds and growing years, we identified 243 highly and differentially expressed genes (hdEGs) as the core target genes. These 243 hdEGs were associated with storage metabolism and transporters. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 play vital roles in storage metabolism, and this study revealed two additional starch metabolism-related genes, sugary enhancer1 and hexokinase1, as their direct targets. A key finding of this study was the inclusion of 17 transporter genes within the 243 hdEGs, with significant alterations in the levels of more than 10 elements/substances in mutant kernels. Among them, six out of the nine upregulated transporter genes were linked to the transport of heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs), which was consistent with the enrichment of cadmium, lead, and arsenic observed in mutant kernels. Interestingly, the levels of Mg and Zn, minerals important to biofortification efforts, were reduced in mutant kernels. In addition to their direct involvement in sugar transport, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 also activate the expression of the endosperm-preferential nitrogen and phosphate transporters ZmNPF1.1 and ZmPHO1;2. This coordinated regulation limits the intake of HMMs, enhances biofortification, and facilitates the uptake and storage of essential nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Shuxing Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Xin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Erwang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Junjun He
- South Subtropical Crop Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, Zhanjiang 524091, China;
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Sukumaran S, Viitanen E, Naik N, Hassan S, Aronsson H. An Accurate Representation of the Number of bZIP Transcription Factors in the Triticum aestivum (Wheat) Genome and the Regulation of Functional Genes during Salt Stress. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4417-4436. [PMID: 38785536 PMCID: PMC11120151 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is dramatically increasing the overall area of saline soils around the world, which is increasing by approximately two million hectares each year. Soil salinity decreases crop yields and, thereby, makes farming less profitable, potentially causing increased poverty and hunger in many areas. A solution to this problem is increasing the salt tolerance of crop plants. Transcription factors (TFs) within crop plants represent a key to understanding salt tolerance, as these proteins play important roles in the regulation of functional genes linked to salt stress. The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) TF has a well-documented role in the regulation of salt tolerance. To better understand how bZIP TFs are linked to salt tolerance, we performed a genome-wide analysis in wheat using the Chinese spring wheat genome, which has been assembled by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium. We identified 89 additional bZIP gene sequences, which brings the total of bZIP gene sequences in wheat to 237. The majority of these 237 sequences included a single bZIP protein domain; however, different combinations of five other domains also exist. The bZIP proteins are divided into ten subfamily groups. Using an in silico analysis, we identified five bZIP genes (ABF2, ABF4, ABI5, EMBP1, and VIP1) that were involved in regulating salt stress. By scrutinizing the binding properties to the 2000 bp upstream region, we identified putative functional genes under the regulation of these TFs. Expression analyses of plant tissue that had been treated with or without 100 mM NaCl revealed variable patterns between the TFs and functional genes. For example, an increased expression of ABF4 was correlated with an increased expression of the corresponding functional genes in both root and shoot tissues, whereas VIP1 downregulation in root tissues strongly decreased the expression of two functional genes. Identifying strategies to sustain the expression of the functional genes described in this study could enhance wheat's salt tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (X.L.); (S.S.); (E.V.); (N.N.); (S.H.)
- Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang 611130, China
| | - Selvakumar Sukumaran
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (X.L.); (S.S.); (E.V.); (N.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Esteri Viitanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (X.L.); (S.S.); (E.V.); (N.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Nupur Naik
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (X.L.); (S.S.); (E.V.); (N.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Sameer Hassan
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (X.L.); (S.S.); (E.V.); (N.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Henrik Aronsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (X.L.); (S.S.); (E.V.); (N.N.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hurst JP, Sato S, Ferris T, Yobi A, Zhou Y, Angelovici R, Clemente TE, Holding DR. Editing the 19 kDa alpha-zein gene family generates non-opaque2-based quality protein maize. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:946-959. [PMID: 37988568 PMCID: PMC10955486 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14237] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Maize grain is deficient in lysine. While the opaque2 mutation increases grain lysine, o2 is a transcription factor that regulates a wide network of genes beyond zeins, which leads to pleiotropic and often negative effects. Additionally, the drastic reduction in 19 kDa and 22 kDa alpha-zeins causes a floury kernel, unsuitable for agricultural use. Quality protein maize (QPM) overcame the undesirable kernel texture through the introgression of modifying alleles. However, QPM still lacks a functional o2 transcription factor, which has a penalty on non-lysine amino acids due to the o2 mutation. CRISPR/cas9 gives researchers the ability to directly target genes of interest. In this paper, gene editing was used to specifically target the 19 kDa alpha zein gene family. This allows for proteome rebalancing to occur without an o2 mutation and without a total alpha-zein knockout. The results showed that editing some, but not all, of the 19 kDa zeins resulted in up to 30% more lysine. An edited line displayed an increase of 30% over the wild type. While not quite the 55% lysine increase displayed by QPM, the line had little collateral impact on other amino acid levels compared to QPM. Additionally, the edited line containing a partially reduced 19 kDa showed an advantage in kernel texture that had a complete 19 kDa knockout. These results serve as proof of concept that editing the 19 kDa alpha-zein family alone can enhance lysine while retaining vitreous endosperm and a functional O2 transcription factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Preston Hurst
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
- Center for Plant Science InnovationLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - Shirley Sato
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - Tyler Ferris
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
- Center for Plant Science InnovationLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - Abou Yobi
- University of Missouri‐ColumbiaColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - You Zhou
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | | | - Tom E. Clemente
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - David R. Holding
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
- Center for Plant Science InnovationLincolnNebraskaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cao S, Liu B, Wang D, Rasheed A, Xie L, Xia X, He Z. Orchestrating seed storage protein and starch accumulation toward overcoming yield-quality trade-off in cereal crops. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:468-483. [PMID: 38409921 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13633] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Achieving high yield and good quality in crops is essential for human food security and health. However, there is usually disharmony between yield and quality. Seed storage protein (SSP) and starch, the predominant components in cereal grains, determine yield and quality, and their coupled synthesis causes a yield-quality trade-off. Therefore, dissection of the underlying regulatory mechanism facilitates simultaneous improvement of yield and quality. Here, we summarize current findings about the synergistic molecular machinery underpinning SSP and starch synthesis in the leading staple cereal crops, including maize, rice and wheat. We further evaluate the functional conservation and differentiation of key regulators and specify feasible research approaches to identify additional regulators and expand insights. We also present major strategies to leverage resultant information for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality by molecular breeding. Finally, future perspectives on major challenges are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghe Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Bingyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Daowen Wang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Awais Rasheed
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Lina Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xianchun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhonghu He
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/National Wheat Improvement Center, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu H, Galli M, Spears CJ, Zhan J, Liu P, Yadegari R, Dannenhoffer JM, Gallavotti A, Becraft PW. NAKED ENDOSPERM1, NAKED ENDOSPERM2, and OPAQUE2 interact to regulate gene networks in maize endosperm development. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 36:19-39. [PMID: 37795691 PMCID: PMC10734603 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad247] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
NAKED ENDOSPERM1 (NKD1), NKD2, and OPAQUE2 (O2) are transcription factors important for cell patterning and nutrient storage in maize (Zea mays) endosperm. To study the complex regulatory interrelationships among these 3 factors in coregulating gene networks, we developed a set of nkd1, nkd2, and o2 homozygous lines, including all combinations of mutant and wild-type genes. Among the 8 genotypes tested, we observed diverse phenotypes and gene interactions affecting cell patterning, starch content, and storage proteins. From ∼8 to ∼16 d after pollination, maize endosperm undergoes a transition from cellular development to nutrient accumulation for grain filling. Gene network analysis showed that NKD1, NKD2, and O2 dynamically regulate a hierarchical gene network during this period, directing cellular development early and then transitioning to constrain cellular development while promoting the biosynthesis and storage of starch, proteins, and lipids. Genetic interactions regulating this network are also dynamic. The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) showed that O2 influences the global regulatory landscape, decreasing NKD1 and NKD2 target site accessibility, while NKD1 and NKD2 increase O2 target site accessibility. In summary, interactions of NKD1, NKD2, and O2 dynamically affect the hierarchical gene network and regulatory landscape during the transition from cellular development to grain filling in maize endosperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mary Galli
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901-8520, USA
| | - Carla J Spears
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Junpeng Zhan
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Ramin Yadegari
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | - Andrea Gallavotti
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901-8520, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Philip W Becraft
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rahmati Ishka M. Genetic tango: unveiling maize's endosperm filling regulation orchestrated by NAKED ENDOSPERM1, NAKED ENDOSPERM2, and OPAQUE2. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 36:8-9. [PMID: 37757450 PMCID: PMC10734565 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahmati Ishka
- Assistant Features Editor, The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Varela J, Ferraretto LF, Kaeppler SM, de León N. Effects of endosperm type and storage length of whole-plant corn silage on nitrogen fraction, fermentation products, zein profile, and starch digestibility. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:8710-8722. [PMID: 37641327 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Zeins are commercially important proteins found in corn endosperms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of altering zein levels in corn inbred lines carrying endosperm mutations with differential allelic dosage and analyze the effects on the composition, nutritive value, and starch digestibility of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) at 5 storage lengths. Three inbred lines carrying 3 different endosperm modifiers (opaque-2 [o2], floury-2 [fl2], and soft endosperm-1 [h1]) were pollinated with 2 pollen sources to form pairs of near-isogenic lines with either 2 or 3 doses of the mutant allele for each endosperm modifier. The experiment was designed as a split-plot design with 3 replications. Pollinated genotype was the main plot factor, and storage length was the subplot-level factor. Agronomic precautions were taken to mimic hybrid WPCS to the extent possible. Samples were collected at approximately 30% dry matter (DM) using a forage harvester and ensiled in heat-sealed plastic bags for 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 d. Thus, the experiment consisted of 30 treatments (6 genotypes × 5 storage lengths) and 90 ensiling units (3 replications per treatment). Measurements included nutrient analysis, including crude protein, soluble crude protein, amylase-treated neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, starch, fermentation end products, zein concentration, and in vitro starch digestibility (ivSD). The nutritional profile of the inbred-based silage samples was similar to hybrid values reported in literature. Significant differences were found in fresh (unfermented) sample kernels for endosperm vitreousness and zein profiles between and within isogenic pairs. The o2 homozygous (3 doses of mutant allele) had the highest reduction in vitreousness level (74.5 to 38%) and zein concentration (6.2 to 4.7% of DM) compared with the heterozygous counterpart (2 doses of mutant allele). All genotypes showed significant reduction of total zeins and α-zeins during progressive storage length. In vitro starch digestibility increased with storage length and had significant effects of genotype and storage length but not for genotype by storage length interaction, which suggests that the storage period did not attenuate the difference in ivSD between near-isogenic pairs caused by zeins in WPCS. Both total zeins and α-zeins showed a strong negative correlation with ivSD, which agrees with the general hypothesis that the degradation of zeins increases ruminal starch degradability. Homozygous o2 was the only mutant with significantly higher ivSD compared with the heterozygous version, which suggests that, if all other conditions remain constant in a WPCS systems, substantial reductions in endosperm α-zeins are required to significantly improve ivSD in the silo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Varela
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Luiz F Ferraretto
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Shawn M Kaeppler
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706; Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 8520 University Green, Middleton, WI 53562
| | - Natalia de León
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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).
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang X, Liu Y, Hao C, Li T, Majeed U, Liu H, Li H, Hou J, Zhang X. Wheat NAC-A18 regulates grain starch and storage proteins synthesis and affects grain weight. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:123. [PMID: 37147554 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04365-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Wheat NAC-A18 regulates both starch and storage protein synthesis in the grain, and a haplotype with positive effects on grain weight showed increased frequency during wheat breeding in China. Starch and seed storage protein (SSP) directly affect the processing quality of wheat grain. The synthesis of starch and SSP are also regulated at the transcriptional level. However, only a few starch and SSP regulators have been identified in wheat. In this study, we discovered a NAC transcription factor, designated as NAC-A18, which acts as a regulator of both starch and SSP synthesis. NAC-A18, is predominately expressed in wheat developing grains, encodes a transcription factor localized in the nucleus, with both activation and repression domains. Ectopic expression of wheat NAC-A18 in rice significantly decreased starch accumulation and increased SSP accumulation and grain size and weight. Dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that NAC-A18 could reduce the expression of TaGBSSI-A1 and TaGBSSI-A2, and enhance the expression of TaLMW-D6 and TaLMW-D1. A yeast one hybrid assay demonstrated that NAC-A18 bound directly to the cis-element "ACGCAA" in the promoters of TaLMW-D6 and TaLMW-D1. Further analysis indicated that two haplotypes were formed at NAC-A18, and that NAC-A18_h1 was a favorable haplotype correlated with higher thousand grain weight. Based on limited population data, NAC-A18_h1 underwent positive selection during Chinese wheat breeding. Our study demonstrates that wheat NAC-A18 regulates starch and SSP accumulation and grain size. A molecular marker was developed for the favorable allele for breeding applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yunchuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chenyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Uzma Majeed
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luo T, Song Y, Gao H, Wang M, Cui H, Ji C, Wang J, Yuan L, Li R. Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of Dof transcription factor family in Camelina sativa. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:812. [PMID: 36476342 PMCID: PMC9730592 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dof transcription factors (TFs) containing C2-C2 zinc finger domains are plant-specific regulatory proteins, playing crucial roles in a variety of biological processes. However, little is known about Dof in Camelina sativa, an important oil crop worldwide, with high stress tolerance. In this study, a genome-wide characterization of Dof proteins is performed to examine their basic structural characteristics, phylogenetics, expression patterns, and functions to identify the regulatory mechanism underlying lipid/oil accumulation and the candidate Dofs mediating stress resistance regulation in C. sativa. RESULTS Total of 103 CsDof genes unevenly distributed on 20 chromosomes were identified from the C. sativa genome, and they were classified into four groups (A, B, C and D) based on the classification of Arabidopsis Dof gene family. All of the CsDof proteins contained the highly-conserved typic CX2C-X21-CX2C structure. Segmental duplication and purifying selection were detected for CsDof genes. 61 CsDof genes were expressed in multiple tissues, and 20 of them showed tissue-specific expression patterns, suggesting that CsDof genes functioned differentially in different tissues of C. sativa. Remarkably, a set of CsDof members were detected to be possible involved in regulation of oil/lipid biosynthesis in C. sativa. Six CsDof genes exhibited significant expression changes in seedlings under salt stress treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present data reveals that segmental duplication is the key force responsible for the expansion of CsDof gene family, and a strong purifying pressure plays a crucial role in CsDofs' evolution. Several CsDof TFs may mediate lipid metabolism and stress responses in C. sativa. Several CsDof TFs may mediate lipid metabolism and stress responses in C. sativa. Collectively, our findings provide a foundation for deep understanding the roles of CsDofs and genetic improvements of oil yield and salt stress tolerance in this species and the related crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Luo
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Yanan Song
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Huiling Gao
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Meng Wang
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Hongli Cui
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Chunli Ji
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Jiping Wang
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Lixia Yuan
- grid.495248.60000 0004 1778 6134College of Biological Science and Technology, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong, 030600 Shanxi China
| | - Runzhi Li
- grid.412545.30000 0004 1798 1300Institute of Molecular Agriculture and Bioenergy, College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tian Q, Wang G, Ma X, Shen Q, Ding M, Yang X, Luo X, Li R, Wang Z, Wang X, Fu Z, Yang Q, Tang J, Wang G. Riboflavin integrates cellular energetics and cell cycle to regulate maize seed development. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:1487-1501. [PMID: 35426230 PMCID: PMC9342611 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Riboflavin is the precursor of essential cofactors for diverse metabolic processes. Unlike animals, plants can de novo produce riboflavin through an ancestrally conserved pathway, like bacteria and fungi. However, the mechanism by which riboflavin regulates seed development is poorly understood. Here, we report a novel maize (Zea mays L.) opaque mutant o18, which displays an increase in lysine accumulation, but impaired endosperm filling and embryo development. O18 encodes a rate-limiting bifunctional enzyme ZmRIBA1, targeted to plastid where to initiate riboflavin biosynthesis. Loss of function of O18 specifically disrupts respiratory complexes I and II, but also decreases SDH1 flavinylation, and in turn shifts the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to glycolysis. The deprivation of cellular energy leads to cell-cycle arrest at G1 and S phases in both mitosis and endoreduplication during endosperm development. The unexpected up-regulation of cell-cycle genes in o18 correlates with the increase of H3K4me3 levels, revealing a possible H3K4me-mediated epigenetic back-up mechanism for cell-cycle progression under unfavourable circumstances. Overexpression of O18 increases riboflavin production and confers osmotic tolerance. Altogether, our results substantiate a key role of riboflavin in coordinating cellular energy and cell cycle to modulate maize endosperm development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhen Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Gang Wang
- School of Agriculture and BiologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xuexia Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio‐Energy CropsSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qingwen Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Mengli Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xueyi Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiaoli Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Rongrong Li
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhenghui Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhiyuan Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Qinghua Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jihua Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
- The Shennong LaboratoryZhengzhouChina
| | - Guifeng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops ScienceCIMMYT‐Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize ImprovementCollaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain CropsCollege of AgronomyHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Farooq MA, Ma W, Shen S, Gu A. Underlying Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms for Seed Germination. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158502. [PMID: 35955637 PMCID: PMC9369107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the burgeoning population of the world, the successful germination of seeds to achieve maximum crop production is very important. Seed germination is a precise balance of phytohormones, light, and temperature that induces endosperm decay. Abscisic acid and gibberellins—mainly with auxins, ethylene, and jasmonic and salicylic acid through interdependent molecular pathways—lead to the rupture of the seed testa, after which the radicle protrudes out and the endosperm provides nutrients according to its growing energy demand. The incident light wavelength and low and supra-optimal temperature modulates phytohormone signaling pathways that induce the synthesis of ROS, which results in the maintenance of seed dormancy and germination. In this review, we have summarized in detail the biochemical and molecular processes occurring in the seed that lead to the germination of the seed. Moreover, an accurate explanation in chronological order of how phytohormones inside the seed act in accordance with the temperature and light signals from outside to degenerate the seed testa for the thriving seed’s germination has also been discussed.
Collapse
|
14
|
The Qc5 Allele Increases Wheat Bread-Making Quality by Regulating SPA and SPR. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147581. [PMID: 35886927 PMCID: PMC9323144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important food crop with a unique processing quality. The Q gene positively regulates the processing quality of wheat, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, a new Q allele (Qc5) responsible for compact spikes and good bread performance was identified. Compared with the Q allele widely distributed in modern common wheat cultivars, Qc5 had a missense mutation outside the miRNA172-binding site. This missense mutation led to a more compact messenger RNA (mRNA) secondary structure around the miRNA172-binding region, resulting in increased Qc5 expression during the spike development stage and a consequent increase in spike density. Furthermore, this missense mutation weakened the physical interaction between Qc5 and storage protein activator (SPA) in seeds and suppressed the expression of storage protein repressor (SPR). These changes increased the grain protein content and improved the bread-making quality of wheat. In conclusion, a missense mutation increases Q expression because of the resulting highly folded mRNA secondary structure around the miRNA172-binding site. Furthermore, this mutation improves the bread-making quality of wheat by repressing the expression of SPR and influencing the physical interaction between Q and SPA. These findings provide new insights into the miRNA172-directed regulation of gene expression, with implications for wheat breeding.
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun Q, Hu A, Mu L, Zhao H, Qin Y, Gong D, Qiu F. Identification of a candidate gene underlying qHKW3, a QTL for hundred-kernel weight in maize. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2022; 135:1579-1589. [PMID: 35179613 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-022-04055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
qHKW3, a quantitative trait locus for hundred-kernel weight, harbors the proposed causal gene Zm00001d044081, encoding a homeobox-leucine zipper protein (ATHB-4) that might affect kernel size and weight. Kernel size and weight are key traits that contribute greatly to grain yield per year in maize (Zea mays). Here, we developed the chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL), H15-6-2, with smaller kernel size and lower kernel weight across environments compared to the background line Ye478. Histological analysis suggested that a slower kernel filling rate of H15-6-2 contributes to its small-kernel size and reduced hundred-kernel weight. We identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) explaining 23% of the phenotypic variation in hundred-kernel weight. This QTL, qHKW3, was fine mapped to an interval of approximately 40.66-kb harboring the gene Zm00001d044081. The upstream sequence and its expression level of Zm00001d044081 in kernels at 6 days after pollination (DAP) showed obvious differences between the near-isogenic lines HKW3Ye478 and HKW3H15-6-2. We further confirmed the effects of the Zm00001d044081 promoter on maize kernel size and weight in an independent association mapping panel with 513 lines by candidate regional association analysis. We propose that Zm00001d044081, which encodes the homeobox-leucine zipper protein ATHB-4, is the causal gene of qHKW3, representing an attractive target for the genetic improvement of maize yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Aoqing Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Mu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailiang Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Qin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Dianming Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Fazhan Qiu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang Y, Xu J, Yu J, Zhu D, Zhao Q. Maize GSK3-like kinase ZmSK2 is involved in embryonic development. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 318:111221. [PMID: 35351312 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Grain size and weight are closely related to the yield of cereal crops. Abnormal development of the embryo, an important part of the grain, not only affects crop yield but also impacts next-generation survival. Here, we found that maize GSK3-like kinase ZmSK2, a homolog of BIN2 in Arabidopsis, is involved in embryonic development. ZmSK2 overexpression resulted in severe BR defective phenotypes and arrested embryonic development at the transition stage, while the zmsk2 knockout lines showed enlarged embryos. ZmSK2 interacts with Aux/IAA-transcription factor 28 (ZmIAA28), a negative regulator of auxin signaling, and the interaction region is the auxin degron "GWPPV" motif of ZmIAA28 domain II. Coexpression of ZmSK2 with ZmIAA28 increased the accumulation of ZmIAA28 in maize protoplasts, which may have been due to phosphorylation by ZmSK2. In conclusion, this study reveals the function of ZmSK2 in maize embryonic development and proposes that ZmSK2-ZmIAA28 may be another link in the signaling pathway that integrates BR and auxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Jianghai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Dengyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu H, Becraft PW, Dannenhoffer JM. Maize Endosperm Development: Tissues, Cells, Molecular Regulation and Grain Quality Improvement. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:852082. [PMID: 35330868 PMCID: PMC8940253 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.852082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Maize endosperm plays important roles in human diet, animal feed and industrial applications. Knowing the mechanisms that regulate maize endosperm development could facilitate the improvement of grain quality. This review provides a detailed account of maize endosperm development at the cellular and histological levels. It features the stages of early development as well as developmental patterns of the various individual tissues and cell types. It then covers molecular genetics, gene expression networks, and current understanding of key regulators as they affect the development of each tissue. The article then briefly considers key changes that have occurred in endosperm development during maize domestication. Finally, it considers prospects for how knowledge of the regulation of endosperm development could be utilized to enhance maize grain quality to improve agronomic performance, nutrition and economic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Philip W. Becraft
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Philip W. Becraft,
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
|
19
|
Matsusaka H, Fukuda M, Elakhdar A, Kumamaru T. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase participates in the synthesis of cysteine-rich storage proteins in rice seed. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 312:111049. [PMID: 34620446 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.111049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The low level of cysteine-rich proteins (lcrp) mutation indicates a decrease in cysteine-rich (CysR) prolamines, α-globulin, and glutelin. To identify the causing factor of lcrp mutation, to elucidate its function, and to elucidate the role of CysR proteins in the formation of protein bodies (PBs), lcrp mutant was analyzed. A linkage map of the LCRP gene was constructed and genomic DNA sequencing of a predicted gene within the mapped region demonstrated that LCRP encodes a serine hydroxymethyltransferase, which participates in glycine-serine interconversion of one-carbon metabolism in the sulfur assimilation pathway. The levels of l-Ser, Gly, and Met in the sulfur assimilation pathway in the lcrp seeds increased significantly compared to that in the wildtype (WT). As the lcrp mutation influences the growth of shoot and root, the effects of the addition to the medium of amino acids and other compounds on the sulfur assimilation pathway were studied. Electron-lucent PBs surrounded by ribosome-attached membranes were observed accumulating cysteine-poor prolamines in the lcrp seeds. Additionally, glutelin-containing PBs were smaller and distorted in the lcrp seeds compared to those in the WT. These analyses of PBs in the lcrp seeds suggest that cysteine-rich proteins play an important role in the formation of PBs in rice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Matsusaka
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Masako Fukuda
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Ammar Elakhdar
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt
| | - Toshihiro Kumamaru
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hurst P, Schnable JC, Holding DR. Tandem duplicate expression patterns are conserved between maize haplotypes of the α-zein gene family. PLANT DIRECT 2021; 5:e346. [PMID: 34541444 PMCID: PMC8438537 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tandem duplication gives rise to copy number variation and subsequent functional novelty among genes as well as diversity between individuals in a species. Functional novelty can result from either divergence in coding sequence or divergence in patterns of gene transcriptional regulation. Here, we investigate conservation and divergence of both gene sequence and gene regulation between the copies of the α-zein gene family in maize inbreds B73 and W22. We used RNA-seq data generated from developing, self-pollinated kernels at three developmental stages timed to coincide with early and peak zein expression. The reference genome annotations for B73 and W22 were modified to ensure accurate inclusion of their respective α-zein gene models to accurately assess copy-specific expression. Expression analysis indicated that although the total expression of α-zeins is higher in W22, the pattern of expression in both lines is conserved. Additional analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data from a diverse population of maize inbreds also demonstrates variation in absolute expression, but conservation of expression patterns across a wide range of maize genotypes and α-zein haplotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preston Hurst
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science InnovationUniversity of NebraskaLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - James C. Schnable
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science InnovationUniversity of NebraskaLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - David R. Holding
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science InnovationUniversity of NebraskaLincolnNebraskaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dai D, Ma Z, Song R. Maize endosperm development. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:613-627. [PMID: 33448626 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in transcriptome analysis and gene characterization have provided valuable resources and information about the maize endosperm developmental program. The high temporal-resolution transcriptome analysis has yielded unprecedented access to information about the genetic control of seed development. Detailed spatial transcriptome analysis using laser-capture microdissection has revealed the expression patterns of specific populations of genes in the four major endosperm compartments: the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL), aleurone layer (AL), starchy endosperm (SE), and embryo-surrounding region (ESR). Although the overall picture of the transcriptional regulatory network of endosperm development remains fragmentary, there have been some exciting advances, such as the identification of OPAQUE11 (O11) as a central hub of the maize endosperm regulatory network connecting endosperm development, nutrient metabolism, and stress responses, and the discovery that the endosperm adjacent to scutellum (EAS) serves as a dynamic interface for endosperm-embryo crosstalk. In addition, several genes that function in BETL development, AL differentiation, and the endosperm cell cycle have been identified, such as ZmSWEET4c, Thk1, and Dek15, respectively. Here, we focus on current advances in understanding the molecular factors involved in BETL, AL, SE, ESR, and EAS development, including the specific transcriptional regulatory networks that function in each compartment during endosperm development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Dai
- 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
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Zeyang Ma
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dai D, Ma Z, Song R. Maize kernel development. MOLECULAR BREEDING : NEW STRATEGIES IN PLANT IMPROVEMENT 2021; 41:2. [PMID: 37309525 PMCID: PMC10231577 DOI: 10.1007/s11032-020-01195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) is a leading cereal crop in the world. The maize kernel is the storage organ and the harvest portion of this crop and is closely related to its yield and quality. The development of maize kernel is initiated by the double fertilization event, leading to the formation of a diploid embryo and a triploid endosperm. The embryo and endosperm are then undergone independent developmental programs, resulting in a mature maize kernel which is comprised of a persistent endosperm, a large embryo, and a maternal pericarp. Due to the well-characterized morphogenesis and powerful genetics, maize kernel has long been an excellent model for the study of cereal kernel development. In recent years, with the release of the maize reference genome and the development of new genomic technologies, there has been an explosive expansion of new knowledge for maize kernel development. In this review, we overviewed recent progress in the study of maize kernel development, with an emphasis on genetic mapping of kernel traits, transcriptome analysis during kernel development, functional gene cloning of kernel mutants, and genetic engineering of kernel traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Dai
- 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
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Zeyang Ma
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kaur R, Kaur G, Vikal Y, Gill GK, Sharma S, Singh J, Dhariwal GK, Gulati A, Kaur A, Kumar A, Chawla JS. Genetic enhancement of essential amino acids for nutritional enrichment of maize protein quality through marker assisted selection. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 26:2243-2254. [PMID: 33268926 PMCID: PMC7688887 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-020-00897-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Maize grain protein is deficient in two essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, defining it as of low nutritive value. The discovery of opaque2 (o2) gene has led to the development of quality protein maize (QPM) that has enhanced levels of essential amino acids over normal maize. However, the adoption of QPM is still very limited. The present study aims at improving the quality of normal four maize inbred lines (LM11, LM12, LM13 and LM14) of single cross hybrids; Buland (LM11 × LM12) and PMH1 (LM13 × LM14) released in India for different agro-climatic zones by introgressing o2 allele along-with modifiers using marker assisted backcross breeding. Both foreground and background selection coupled with phenotypic selection were employed for selection of o2 specific allele and maximum recovery of the recurrent parent genome (87-90%) with minimum linkage drag across the crosses. The converted QPM lines had < 25% opaqueness which is close to the respective recurrent parents. The QPM versions showed high level of tryptophan content ranging from 0.72 to 1.03 across the four crosses. The newly developed best QPM lines were crossed in original combinations to generate QPM hybrids. The grain yield of improved QPM hybrids was at par and there was significant increase in tryptophan content over the original hybrids.The integrated marker assisted, and phenotypic selection approach holds promise to tackle complex genetics of QPM. The dissemination and adoption of improved QPM versions may help to counteract protein-energy malnutrition in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet Kaur
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Yogesh Vikal
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Gurjit Kaur Gill
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Jagveer Singh
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | | | - Ankit Gulati
- School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Reginal Research Station, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, India
| | - Jasbir Singh Chawla
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jia S, Yobi A, Naldrett MJ, Alvarez S, Angelovici R, Zhang C, Holding DR. Deletion of maize RDM4 suggests a role in endosperm maturation as well as vegetative and stress-responsive growth. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:5880-5895. [PMID: 32667993 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Opaque kernels in maize may result from mutations in many genes, such as OPAQUE-2. In this study, a maize null mutant of RNA-DIRECTED DNA METHYLATION 4 (RDM4) showed an opaque kernel phenotype, as well as plant developmental delay, male sterility, and altered response to cold stress. We found that in opaque kernels, all zein proteins were reduced and amino acid content was changed, including increased lysine. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis confirmed the zein reduction and proteomic rebalancing of non-zein proteins, which was quantitatively and qualitatively different from opaque-2. Global transcriptional changes were found in endosperm and leaf, including many transcription factors and tissue-specific expressed genes. Furthermore, of the more than 8000 significantly differentially expressed genes in wild type in response to cold, a significant proportion (25.9% in moderate cold stress and 40.8% in near freezing stress) were not differentially expressed in response to cold in rdm4, suggesting RDM4 may participate in regulation of abiotic stress tolerance. This initial characterization of maize RDM4 provides a basis for further investigating its function in endosperm and leaf, and as a regulator of normal and stress-responsive development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shangang Jia
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pratacultural Science, Beijing Municipality, Beijing, China
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, Beadle Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Abou Yobi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Michael J Naldrett
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core facility, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Sophie Alvarez
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core facility, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Ruthie Angelovici
- Bond Life Sciences Center, Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Plant Science Innovation, Beadle Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - David R Holding
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, Beadle Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li C, Qi W, Liang Z, Yang X, Ma Z, Song R. A SnRK1- ZmRFWD3-Opaque2 Signaling Axis Regulates Diurnal Nitrogen Accumulation in Maize Seeds. THE PLANT CELL 2020; 32:2823-2841. [PMID: 32699171 PMCID: PMC7474302 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.20.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Zeins are the predominant storage proteins in maize (Zea mays) seeds, while Opaque2 (O2) is a master transcription factor for zein-encoding genes. How the activity of O2 is regulated and responds to external signals is yet largely unknown. Here, we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase ZmRFWD3 interacts with O2 and positively regulates its activity by enhancing its nuclear localization. Ubiquitination of O2 enhances its interaction with maize importin1, the α-subunit of Importin-1 in maize, thus enhancing its nuclear localization ability. We further show that ZmRFWD3 can be phosphorylated by a Suc-responsive protein kinase, ZmSnRK1, which leads to its degradation. We demonstrated that the activity of O2 responds to Suc levels through the ZmSnRK1-ZmRFWD3-O2 signaling axis. Intriguingly, we found that Suc levels, as well as ZmRFWD3 levels and the cytonuclear distribution of O2, exhibit diurnal patterns in developing endosperm, leading to the diurnal transcription of O2-regulated zein genes. Loss of function in ZmRFWD3 disrupts the diurnal patterns of O2 cytonuclear distribution and zein biosynthesis, and consequently changes the C/N ratio in mature seeds. We therefore identify a SnRK1-ZmRFWD3-O2 signaling axis that transduces source-to-sink signals and coordinates C and N assimilation in developing maize seeds.
Collapse
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
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zheng Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zeyang Ma
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Doll NM, Just J, Brunaud V, Caïus J, Grimault A, Depège-Fargeix N, Esteban E, Pasha A, Provart NJ, Ingram GC, Rogowsky PM, Widiez T. Transcriptomics at Maize Embryo/Endosperm Interfaces Identifies a Transcriptionally Distinct Endosperm Subdomain Adjacent to the Embryo Scutellum. THE PLANT CELL 2020; 32:833-852. [PMID: 32086366 PMCID: PMC7145466 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.19.00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Seeds are complex biological systems comprising three genetically distinct tissues nested one inside another (embryo, endosperm, and maternal tissues). However, the complexity of the kernel makes it difficult to understand intercompartment interactions without access to spatially accurate information. Here, we took advantage of the large size of the maize (Zea mays) kernel to characterize genome-wide expression profiles of tissues at different embryo/endosperm interfaces. Our analysis identifies specific transcriptomic signatures in two interface tissues compared with whole seed compartments: the scutellar aleurone layer and the newly named endosperm adjacent to scutellum (EAS). The EAS, which appears around 9 d after pollination and persists for around 11 d, is confined to one to three endosperm cell layers adjacent to the embryonic scutellum. Its transcriptome is enriched in genes encoding transporters. The absence of the embryo in an embryo specific mutant can alter the expression pattern of EAS marker genes. The detection of cell death in some EAS cells together with an accumulation of crushed cell walls suggests that the EAS is a dynamic zone from which cell layers in contact with the embryo are regularly eliminated and to which additional endosperm cells are recruited as the embryo grows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M Doll
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | - Jeremy Just
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | - Véronique Brunaud
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay IPS2, CNRS, INRA, Université Paris-Sud, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay IPS2, Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - José Caïus
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay IPS2, CNRS, INRA, Université Paris-Sud, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay IPS2, Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Aurélie Grimault
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | - Nathalie Depège-Fargeix
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | - Eddi Esteban
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Asher Pasha
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Provart
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Gwyneth C Ingram
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | - Peter M Rogowsky
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Widiez
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, F-69342 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The DOF Transcription Factors in Seed and Seedling Development. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9020218. [PMID: 32046332 PMCID: PMC7076670 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The DOF (DNA binding with one finger) family of plant-specific transcription factors (TF) was first identified in maize in 1995. Since then, DOF proteins have been shown to be present in the whole plant kingdom, including the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The DOF TF family is characterised by a highly conserved DNA binding domain (DOF domain), consisting of a CX2C-X21-CX2C motif, which is able to form a zinc finger structure. Early in the study of DOF proteins, their relevance for seed biology became clear. Indeed, the PROLAMIN BINDING FACTOR (PBF), one of the first DOF proteins characterised, controls the endosperm-specific expression of the zein genes in maize. Subsequently, several DOF proteins from both monocots and dicots have been shown to be primarily involved in seed development, dormancy and germination, as well as in seedling development and other light-mediated processes. In the last two decades, the molecular network underlying these processes have been outlined, and the main molecular players and their interactions have been identified. In this review, we will focus on the DOF TFs involved in these molecular networks, and on their interaction with other proteins.
Collapse
|
29
|
Sethi M, Kumar S, Singh A, Chaudhary DP. Temporal profiling of essential amino acids in developing maize kernel of normal, opaque- 2 and QPM germplasm. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 26:341-351. [PMID: 32158139 PMCID: PMC7036386 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-019-00724-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Maize, an important cereal crop, has a poor quality of endosperm protein due to the deficiency of essential amino acids, especially lysine and tryptophan. Discovery of mutants such as opaque-2 led to the development of nutritionally improved maize with a higher concentration of lysine and tryptophan. However, the pleiotropic effects associated with opaque-2 mutants necessitated the development of nutritionally improved hard kernel genotype, the present-day quality protein maize (QPM). The aim of present study was to analyze and compare the temporal profile of lysine and tryptophan in the developing maize kernel of normal, opaque-2 and QPM lines. A declining trend in protein along with tryptophan and lysine content was observed with increasing kernel maturity in the experimental genotypes. However, opaque-2 retained the maximum concentration of lysine (3.43) and tryptophan (1.09) at maturity as compared to QPM (lysine-3.05, tryptophan-0.99) and normal (lysine-1.99, tryptophan-0.45) lines. Opaque-2 mutation affects protein quality but has no effect on protein quantity. All maize types are nutritionally rich at early stages of kernel development indicating that early harvest for cattle feed would ensure a higher intake of lysine and tryptophan. Two promising lines (CML44 and HKI 1105) can be used for breeding high value corn for cattle feed or human food in order to fill the protein inadequacy gap. Variation in lysine and tryptophan content within QPM lines revealed that differential expression of endosperm modifiers with varying genetic background significantly affects nutritional quality, indicating that identification of alleles affecting amino acid composition can further facilitate QPM breeding program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehak Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004 India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004 India
| | - Alla Singh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004 India
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu H, Huang Y, Li X, Wang H, Ding Y, Kang C, Sun M, Li F, Wang J, Deng Y, Yang X, Huang X, Gao X, Yuan L, An D, Wang W, Holding DR, Wu Y. High frequency DNA rearrangement at qγ27 creates a novel allele for Quality Protein Maize breeding. Commun Biol 2019; 2:460. [PMID: 31840105 PMCID: PMC6904753 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0711-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variation (CNV) is a major source of genetic variation and often contributes to phenotypic variation in maize. The duplication at the 27-kDa γ-zein locus (qγ27) is essential to convert soft endosperm into hard endosperm in quality protein maize (QPM). This duplication is unstable and generally produces CNV at this locus. We conducted genetic experiments designed to directly measure DNA rearrangement frequencies occurring in males and females of different genetic backgrounds. The average frequency with which the duplication rearranges to single copies is 1.27 × 10-3 and varies among different lines. A triplication of γ27 gene was screened and showed a better potential than the duplication for the future QPM breeding. Our results highlight a novel approach to directly determine the frequency of DNA rearrangements, in this case resulting in CNV at the qγ27 locus. Furthermore, this provides a highly effective way to test suitable parents in QPM breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Yongcai Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Haihai Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yahui Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Congbin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Mingfei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Fangyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yiting Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xuerong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, 271018 China
| | - Xing Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lingling Yuan
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, Beadle Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0665 USA
| | - Dong An
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - David R. Holding
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Center for Plant Science Innovation, Beadle Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0665 USA
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zheng X, Li Q, Li C, An D, Xiao Q, Wang W, Wu Y. Intra-Kernel Reallocation of Proteins in Maize Depends on VP1-Mediated Scutellum Development and Nutrient Assimilation. THE PLANT CELL 2019; 31:2613-2635. [PMID: 31530735 PMCID: PMC6881121 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.19.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
During maize (Zea mays) seed development, the endosperm functions as the major organ for storage of photoassimilate, serving to nourish the embryo. α-Zeins and globulins (GLBs) predominantly accumulate in the maize endosperm and embryo, respectively. Here, we show that suppression of α-zeins by RNA interference (αRNAi) in the endosperm results in more GLB1 being synthesized in the embryo, thereby markedly increasing the size and number of protein storage vacuoles. Glb genes are strongly expressed in the middle-to-upper section of the scutellum, cells of which are significantly enlarged by αRNAi induction. Elimination of GLBs caused an apparent reduction in embryo protein level, regardless of whether α-zeins were expressed or suppressed in the endosperm, indicating that GLBs represent the dominant capacity for storage of amino acids allocated from the endosperm. It appears that protein reallocation is mostly regulated at the transcriptional level. Genes differentially expressed between wild-type and αRNAi kernels are mainly involved in sulfur assimilation and nutrient metabolism, and many are transactivated by VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1). In vp1 embryos, misshapen scutellum cells contain notably less cellular content and are unable to respond to αRNAi induction. Our results demonstrate that VP1 is essential for scutellum development and protein reallocation from the endosperm to embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Chinese Academy of Science Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Chinese Academy of Science Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Changsheng Li
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dong An
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Chinese Academy of Science Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Chinese Academy of Science Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Qu J, Xu S, Tian X, Li T, Wang L, Zhong Y, Xue J, Guo D. Comparative transcriptomics reveals the difference in early endosperm development between maize with different amylose contents. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7528. [PMID: 31523504 PMCID: PMC6717500 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In seeds, the endosperm is a crucial organ that plays vital roles in supporting embryo development and determining seed weight and quality. Starch is the predominant storage carbohydrate of the endosperm and accounts for ∼70% of the mature maize kernel weight. Nonetheless, because starch biosynthesis is a complex process that is orchestrated by multiple enzymes, the gene regulatory networks of starch biosynthesis, particularly amylose and amylopectin biosynthesis, have not been fully elucidated. Here, through high-throughput RNA sequencing, we developed a temporal transcriptome atlas of the endosperms of high-amylose maize and common maize at 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-day after pollination and found that 21,986 genes are involved in the programming of the high-amylose and common maize endosperm. A coexpression analysis identified multiple sequentially expressed gene sets that are closely correlated with cellular and metabolic programmes and provided valuable insight into the dynamic reprogramming of the transcriptome in common and high-amylose maize. In addition, a number of genes and transcription factors were found to be strongly linked to starch synthesis, which might help elucidate the key mechanisms and regulatory networks underlying amylose and amylopectin biosynthesis. This study will aid the understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns and genetic regulation of endosperm development in different types of maize and provide valuable genetic information for the breeding of starch varieties with different contents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhou Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shutu Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaokang Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Licheng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuyue Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiquan Xue
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongwei Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Curtis TY, Raffan S, Wan Y, King R, Gonzalez-Uriarte A, Halford NG. Contrasting gene expression patterns in grain of high and low asparagine wheat genotypes in response to sulphur supply. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:628. [PMID: 31370780 PMCID: PMC6676566 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5991-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Free asparagine is the precursor for acrylamide formation during cooking and processing of grains, tubers, beans and other crop products. In wheat grain, free asparagine, free glutamine and total free amino acids accumulate to high levels in response to sulphur deficiency. In this study, RNA-seq data were acquired for the embryo and endosperm of two genotypes of bread wheat, Spark and SR3, growing under conditions of sulphur sufficiency and deficiency, and sampled at 14 and 21 days post anthesis (dpa). The aim was to provide new knowledge and understanding of the genetic control of asparagine accumulation and breakdown in wheat grain. Results There were clear differences in gene expression patterns between the genotypes. Sulphur responses were greater at 21 dpa than 14 dpa, and more evident in SR3 than Spark. TaASN2 was the most highly expressed asparagine synthetase gene in the grain, with expression in the embryo much higher than in the endosperm, and higher in Spark than SR3 during early development. There was a trend for genes encoding enzymes of nitrogen assimilation to be more highly expressed in Spark than SR3 when sulphur was supplied. TaASN2 expression in the embryo of SR3 increased in response to sulphur deficiency at 21 dpa, although this was not observed in Spark. This increase in TaASN2 expression was accompanied by an increase in glutamine synthetase gene expression and a decrease in asparaginase gene expression. Asparagine synthetase and asparaginase gene expression in the endosperm responded in the opposite way. Genes encoding regulatory protein kinases, SnRK1 and GCN2, both implicated in regulating asparagine synthetase gene expression, also responded to sulphur deficiency. Genes encoding bZIP transcription factors, including Opaque2/bZIP9, SPA/bZIP25 and BLZ1/OHP1/bZIP63, all of which contain SnRK1 target sites, were also expressed. Homeologues of many genes showed differential expression patterns and responses, including TaASN2. Conclusions Data on the genetic control of free asparagine accumulation in wheat grain and its response to sulphur supply showed grain asparagine levels to be determined in the embryo, and identified genes encoding signalling and metabolic proteins involved in asparagine metabolism that respond to sulphur availability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5991-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Y Curtis
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.,Present Address: Curtis Analytics Ltd, Daniel Hall Building, Rothamsted RoCRE, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Sarah Raffan
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Yongfang Wan
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Robert King
- Computational and Analytical Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Asier Gonzalez-Uriarte
- Computational and Analytical Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.,Present Address: The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Nigel G Halford
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Song W, Zhu J, Zhao H, Li Y, Liu J, Zhang X, Huang L, Lai J. OS1 functions in the allocation of nutrients between the endosperm and embryo in maize seeds. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 61:706-727. [PMID: 30506638 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering the genetic basis of seed development will provide useful tools for improving both crop yield and nutritional value. However, the genetic regulatory networks of maize (Zea mays) seed development remain largely unknown. The maize opaque endosperm and small germ 1 (os1) mutant has opaque endosperm and a small embryo. Here, we cloned OS1 and show that it encodes a putative transcription factor containing an RWP-RK domain. Transcriptional analysis indicated that OS1 expression is elevated in early endosperm development, especially in the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL), conducting zone (CZ), and central starch endosperm (CSE) cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the os1 mutant revealed sharp downregulation of certain genes in specific cell types, including ZmMRP-1 and Meg1 in BETL cells and a majority of zein- and starch-related genes in CSE cells. Using a haploid induction system, we show that wild-type endosperm could rescue the smaller size of os1 embryo, which suggests that nutrients are allocated by the wild-type endosperm. Therefore, our data imply that the network regulated by OS1 accomplishes a key step in nutrient allocation between endosperm and embryo within maize seeds. Identification of this network will help uncover the mechanisms regulating the nutritional balance between endosperm and embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Jinjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Haiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Yingnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Jiangtao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Xiangbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Liangliang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Jinsheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Elakhdar A, Ushijima T, Fukuda M, Yamashiro N, Kawagoe Y, Kumamaru T. Eukaryotic peptide chain release factor 1 participates in translation termination of specific cysteine-poor prolamines in rice endosperm. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 281:223-231. [PMID: 30824055 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Prolamines are alcohol-soluble proteins classified as either cysteine-poor (CysP) or cysteine-rich (CysR) based on whether they can be alcohol-extracted without or with reducing agents, respectively. In rice esp1 mutants, various CysP prolamines exhibit both reduced and normal amounts of isoelectric focusing bands, indicating that the mutation affects only certain prolamine classes. To examine the genetic regulation of CysP prolamine synthesis and accumulation, we constructed a high-resolution genetic linkage map of ESP1. The ESP1 gene was mapped to within a 20 kb region on rice chromosome 7. Sequencing analysis of annotated genes in this region revealed a single-nucleotide polymorphism within eukaryotic peptide chain release factor (eRF1), which participates in stop-codon recognition and nascent-polypeptide release from ribosomes during translation. A subsequent complementation test revealed that ESP1 encodes eRF1. We also identified UAA as the stop codon of CysP prolamines with reduced concentration in esp1 mutants. Recognition assays and microarray analysis confirmed that ESP1/eRF1 recognizes UAA/UAG, but not UGA. Our results provide convincing evidence that ESP1/eRF1 participates in the translation termination of CysP prolamines during seed development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Elakhdar
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt
| | - Tomokazu Ushijima
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Masako Fukuda
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Noriko Yamashiro
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kawagoe
- Division of Plant Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kumamaru
- Institute of Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bieker S, Riester L, Doll J, Franzaring J, Fangmeier A, Zentgraf U. Nitrogen Supply Drives Senescence-Related Seed Storage Protein Expression in Rapeseed Leaves. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E72. [PMID: 30678241 PMCID: PMC6410074 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In general, yield and fruit quality strongly rely on efficient nutrient remobilization during plant development and senescence. Transcriptome changes associated with senescence in spring oilseed rape grown under optimal nitrogen supply or mild nitrogen deficiency revealed differences in senescence and nutrient mobilization in old lower canopy leaves and younger higher canopy leaves [1]. Having a closer look at this transcriptome analyses, we identified the major classes of seed storage proteins (SSP) to be expressed in vegetative tissue, namely leaf and stem tissue. Expression of SSPs was not only dependent on the nitrogen supply but transcripts appeared to correlate with intracellular H₂O₂ contents, which functions as well-known signaling molecule in developmental senescence. The abundance of SSPs in leaf material transiently progressed from the oldest leaves to the youngest. Moreover, stems also exhibited short-term production of SSPs, which hints at an interim storage function. In order to decipher whether hydrogen peroxide also functions as a signaling molecule in nitrogen deficiency-induced senescence, we analyzed hydrogen peroxide contents after complete nitrogen depletion in oilseed rape and Arabidopsis plants. In both cases, hydrogen peroxide contents were lower in nitrogen deficient plants, indicating that at least parts of the developmental senescence program appear to be suppressed under nitrogen deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bieker
- Centre of Molecular Biology of Plants, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Lena Riester
- Centre of Molecular Biology of Plants, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Jasmin Doll
- Centre of Molecular Biology of Plants, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Franzaring
- Institute of Landscape and Plant Ecology, University of Hohenheim, August-von-Hartmann-Str. 3, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Andreas Fangmeier
- Institute of Landscape and Plant Ecology, University of Hohenheim, August-von-Hartmann-Str. 3, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Zentgraf
- Centre of Molecular Biology of Plants, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Genome-wide systematic characterization of bZIP transcription factors and their expression profiles during seed development and in response to salt stress in peanut. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:51. [PMID: 30651065 PMCID: PMC6335788 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5434-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, systematic investigation and analyses of the bZIP gene family in peanut are lacking in spite of the availability of the peanut genome sequence. RESULTS In this study, we identified 50 and 45 bZIP genes from Arachis duranensis and A. ipaensis genomes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Arachis bZIP genes were classified into nine groups, and these clusters were supported by several group-specific features, including exon/intron structure, intron phases, MEME motifs, and predicted binding site structure. We also identified possible variations in DNA-binding-site specificity and dimerization properties among different Arachis bZIPs by inspecting the amino acid residues at some key sites. Our analysis of the evolutionary history analysis indicated that segmental duplication, rather than tandem duplication, contributed greatly to the expansion of this gene family, and that most Arachis bZIPs underwent strong purifying selection. Through RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses, the co-expressed, differentially expressed and several well-studied homologous bZIPs were identified during seed development stages in peanut. We also used qRT-PCR to explore changes in bZIP gene expression in response to salt-treatment, and many candidate bZIPs in groups A, B, and S were proven to be associated with the salt-stress response. CONCLUSIONS This study have conducted a genome-wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of bZIP genes in Arachis genomes. Our results provide insights into the evolutionary history of the bZIP gene family in peanut and the funcntion of Arachis bZIP genes during seed development and in response to salt stress.
Collapse
|
38
|
Castelli S, Mascheretti I, Cosentino C, Lazzari B, Pirona R, Ceriotti A, Viotti A, Lauria M. Uniparental and transgressive expression of α-zeins in maize endosperm of o2 hybrid lines. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206993. [PMID: 30439980 PMCID: PMC6237297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-zein gene family encodes the most abundant storage proteins of maize (Zea mays) endosperm. Members of this family are expressed in a parent-of-origin manner. To characterize this phenomenon further, we investigated the expression of a subset of α-zein polypeptides in reciprocal crosses between o2 lines that were characterized by a simplified α-zein pattern. Maize lines that suppressed the expression of α-zeins when used as female parents were identified. The suppression was cross-specific, occurring only when specific genetic backgrounds were combined. Four α-zein sequences that were sensitive to uniparental expression were isolated. Molecular characterization of these α-zeins confirmed that their expression or suppression depended on the genetic proprieties of the endosperm tissue instead of their parental origin. DNA methylation analysis of both maternally and paternally expressed α-zeins revealed no clear correlation between this epigenetic marker and parent-of-origin allelic expression, suggesting that an additional factor(s) is involved in this process. Genetic analyses revealed that the ability of certain lines to suppress α-zein expression was unstable after one round of heterozygosity with non-suppressing lines. Interestingly, α-zeins also showed a transgressive expression pattern because unexpressed isoforms were reactivated in both F2 and backcross plants. Collectively, our results suggest that parent-of-origin expression of specific α-zein alleles depends on a complex interaction between genotypes in a manner that is reminiscent of paramutation-like phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Castelli
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
| | - Iride Mascheretti
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristian Cosentino
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Lazzari
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
| | - Raul Pirona
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
| | - Aldo Ceriotti
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Viotti
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail: (AV); (ML)
| | - Massimiliano Lauria
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, CNR, Via Alfonso Corti, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail: (AV); (ML)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhan J, Li G, Ryu CH, Ma C, Zhang S, Lloyd A, Hunter BG, Larkins BA, Drews GN, Wang X, Yadegari R. Opaque-2 Regulates a Complex Gene Network Associated with Cell Differentiation and Storage Functions of Maize Endosperm. THE PLANT CELL 2018; 30:2425-2446. [PMID: 30262552 PMCID: PMC6241275 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.18.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Development of the cereal endosperm involves cell differentiation processes that enable nutrient uptake from the maternal plant, accumulation of storage products, and their utilization during germination. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that link cell differentiation processes with those controlling storage product synthesis and deposition, including the activation of zein genes by the maize (Zea mays) bZIP transcription factor Opaque-2 (O2). Here, we mapped in vivo binding sites of O2 in B73 endosperm and compared the results with genes differentially expressed in B73 and B73o2 We identified 186 putative direct O2 targets and 1677 indirect targets, encoding a broad set of gene functionalities. Examination of the temporal expression patterns of O2 targets revealed at least two distinct modes of O2-mediated gene activation. Two O2-activated genes, bZIP17 and NAKED ENDOSPERM2 (NKD2), encode transcription factors, which can in turn coactivate other O2 network genes with O2. NKD2 (with its paralog NKD1) was previously shown to be involved in regulation of aleurone development. Collectively, our results provide insights into the complexity of the O2-regulated network and its role in regulation of endosperm cell differentiation and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhan
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Guosheng Li
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Choong-Hwan Ryu
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Chuang Ma
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Alan Lloyd
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Brenda G Hunter
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Brian A Larkins
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588
| | - Gary N Drews
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Xiangfeng Wang
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Ramin Yadegari
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Li C, Yue Y, Chen H, Qi W, Song R. The ZmbZIP22 Transcription Factor Regulates 27-kD γ-Zein Gene Transcription during Maize Endosperm Development. THE PLANT CELL 2018; 30:2402-2424. [PMID: 30242039 PMCID: PMC6241260 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.18.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Zeins are the most abundant storage proteins in maize (Zea mays) kernels, thereby affecting the nutritional quality and texture of this crop. 27-kD γ-zein is highly expressed and plays a crucial role in protein body formation. Several transcription factors (TFs) (O2, PBF1, OHP1, and OHP2) regulate the expression of the 27-kD γ-zein gene, but the complexity of its transcriptional regulation is not fully understood. Here, using probe affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified ZmbZIP22, a TF that binds to the 27-kD γ-zein promoter. ZmbZIP22 is a bZIP-type TF that is specifically expressed in endosperm. ZmbZIP22 bound directly to the ACAGCTCA box in the 27-kD γ-zein promoter and activated its expression in wild tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) cells. 27-kD γ-zein gene expression was significantly reduced in CRISPR/Cas9-generated zmbzip22 mutants. ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to high-throughput sequencing) confirmed that ZmbZIP22 binds to the 27-kD γ-zein promoter in vivo and identified additional direct targets of ZmbZIP22. ZmbZIP22 can interact with PBF1, OHP1, and OHP2, but not O2. Transactivation assays using various combinations of these TFs revealed multiple interaction modes for the transcriptional activity of the 27-kD γ-zein promoter. Therefore, ZmbZIP22 regulates 27-kD γ-zein gene expression together with other known TFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaobin Li
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, 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
| | - Yihong Yue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hanjun Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Rentao Song
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, 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
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang S, Zhan J, Yadegari R. Maize opaque mutants are no longer so opaque. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2018; 31:319-326. [PMID: 29978299 PMCID: PMC6105308 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-018-0344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The endosperm of angiosperms is a zygotic seed organ that stores nutrient reserves to support embryogenesis and seed germination. Cereal endosperm is also a major source of human calories and an industrial feedstock. Maize opaque endosperm mutants commonly exhibit opaque, floury kernels, along with other abnormal seed and/or non-seed phenotypes. The opaque endosperm phenotype is sometimes accompanied by a soft kernel texture and increased nutritional quality, including a higher lysine content, which are valuable agronomic traits that have drawn attention of maize breeders. Recently, an increasing number of genes that underlie opaque mutants have been cloned, and their characterization has begun to shed light on the molecular basis of the opaque endosperm phenotype. These mutants are categorized by disruption of genes encoding zein or non-zein proteins localized to protein bodies, enzymes involved in endosperm metabolic processes, or transcriptional regulatory proteins associated with endosperm storage programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhang
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Junpeng Zhan
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Ramin Yadegari
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Doll NM, Depège-Fargeix N, Rogowsky PM, Widiez T. Signaling in Early Maize Kernel Development. MOLECULAR PLANT 2017; 10:375-388. [PMID: 28267956 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Developing the next plant generation within the seed requires the coordination of complex programs driving pattern formation, growth, and differentiation of the three main seed compartments: the embryo (future plant), the endosperm (storage compartment), representing the two filial tissues, and the surrounding maternal tissues. This review focuses on the signaling pathways and molecular players involved in early maize kernel development. In the 2 weeks following pollination, functional tissues are shaped from single cells, readying the kernel for filling with storage compounds. Although the overall picture of the signaling pathways regulating embryo and endosperm development remains fragmentary, several types of molecular actors, such as hormones, sugars, or peptides, have been shown to be involved in particular aspects of these developmental processes. These molecular actors are likely to be components of signaling pathways that lead to transcriptional programming mediated by transcriptional factors. Through the integrated action of these components, multiple types of information received by cells or tissues lead to the correct differentiation and patterning of kernel compartments. In this review, recent advances regarding the four types of molecular actors (hormones, sugars, peptides/receptors, and transcription factors) involved in early maize development are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M Doll
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Nathalie Depège-Fargeix
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Peter M Rogowsky
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Widiez
- Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, 69342 Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Genetic architecture of kernel composition in global sorghum germplasm. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:15. [PMID: 28056770 PMCID: PMC5217548 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important cereal crop for dryland areas in the United States and for small-holder farmers in Africa. Natural variation of sorghum grain composition (protein, fat, and starch) between accessions can be used for crop improvement, but the genetic controls are still unresolved. The goals of this study were to quantify natural variation of sorghum grain composition and to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with variation in grain composition concentrations. Results In this study, we quantified protein, fat, and starch in a global sorghum diversity panel using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Protein content ranged from 8.1 to 18.8%, fat content ranged from 1.0 to 4.3%, and starch content ranged from 61.7 to 71.1%. Durra and bicolor-durra sorghum from Ethiopia and India had the highest protein and fat and the lowest starch content, while kafir sorghum from USA, India, and South Africa had the lowest protein and the highest starch content. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sorghum protein, fat, and starch. Previously published RNAseq data was used to identify candidate genes within a GWAS QTL region. A putative alpha-amylase 3 gene, which has previously been shown to be associated with grain composition traits, was identified as a strong candidate for protein and fat variation. Conclusions We identified promising sources of genetic material for manipulation of grain composition traits, and several loci and candidate genes that may control sorghum grain composition. This survey of grain composition in sorghum germplasm and identification of protein, fat, and starch QTL contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of natural variation in sorghum grain nutritional traits. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3403-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
44
|
Gayral M, Elmorjani K, Dalgalarrondo M, Balzergue SM, Pateyron S, Morel MH, Brunet S, Linossier L, Delluc C, Bakan B, Marion D. Responses to Hypoxia and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Discriminate the Development of Vitreous and Floury Endosperms of Conventional Maize ( Zea mays) Inbred Lines. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:557. [PMID: 28450877 PMCID: PMC5390489 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Major nutritional and agronomical issues relating to maize (Zea mays) grains depend on the vitreousness/hardness of its endosperm. To identify the corresponding molecular and cellular mechanisms, most studies have been conducted on opaque/floury mutants, and recently on Quality Protein Maize, a reversion of an opaque2 mutation by modifier genes. These mutant lines are far from conventional maize crops. Therefore, a dent and a flint inbred line were chosen for analysis of the transcriptome, amino acid, and sugar metabolites of developing central and peripheral endosperm that is, the forthcoming floury and vitreous regions of mature seeds, respectively. The results suggested that the formation of endosperm vitreousness is clearly associated with significant differences in the responses of the endosperm to hypoxia and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This occurs through a coordinated regulation of energy metabolism and storage protein (i.e., zein) biosynthesis during the grain-filling period. Indeed, genes involved in the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle are up-regulated in the periphery, while genes involved in alanine, sorbitol, and fermentative metabolisms are up-regulated in the endosperm center. This spatial metabolic regulation allows the production of ATP needed for the significant zein synthesis that occurs at the endosperm periphery; this finding agrees with the zein-decreasing gradient previously observed from the sub-aleurone layer to the endosperm center. The massive synthesis of proteins transiting through endoplasmic reticulum elicits the unfolded protein responses, as indicated by the splicing of bZip60 transcription factor. This splicing is relatively higher at the center of the endosperm than at its periphery. The biological responses associated with this developmental stress, which control the starch/protein balance, leading ultimately to the formation of the vitreous and floury regions of mature endosperm, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Gayral
- Biopolymers, Interactions, Assemblies, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueNantes, France
| | - Khalil Elmorjani
- Biopolymers, Interactions, Assemblies, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueNantes, France
| | - Michèle Dalgalarrondo
- Biopolymers, Interactions, Assemblies, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueNantes, France
| | - Sandrine M. Balzergue
- POPS (transcriptOmic Platform of iPS2) Platform, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris Saclay, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université Paris-Sud, Université Evry, Université Paris-SaclayOrsay, France
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay, Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-CitéOrsay, France
| | - Stéphanie Pateyron
- POPS (transcriptOmic Platform of iPS2) Platform, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris Saclay, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université Paris-Sud, Université Evry, Université Paris-SaclayOrsay, France
- Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay, Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-CitéOrsay, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Morel
- Agropolymer Engineering and Emerging Technologies, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueMontpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Bénédicte Bakan
- Biopolymers, Interactions, Assemblies, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueNantes, France
| | - Didier Marion
- Biopolymers, Interactions, Assemblies, Institut National de la Recherche AgronomiqueNantes, France
- *Correspondence: Didier Marion
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang G, Wang G, Wang J, Du Y, Yao D, Shuai B, Han L, Tang Y, Song R. Comprehensive proteomic analysis of developing protein bodies in maize (Zea mays) endosperm provides novel insights into its biogenesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2016; 67:6323-6335. [PMID: 27789589 PMCID: PMC5181578 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erw396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Prolamins, the major cereal seed storage proteins, are sequestered and accumulated in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and are directly assembled into protein bodies (PBs). The content and composition of prolamins are the key determinants for protein quality and texture-related traits of the grain. Concomitantly, the PB-inducing fusion system provides an efficient target to produce therapeutic and industrial products in plants. However, the proteome of the native PB and the detailed mechanisms underlying its formation still need to be determined. We developed a method to isolate highly purified and intact PBs from developing maize endosperm and conducted proteomic analysis of intact PBs of zein, a class of prolamine protein found in maize. We thus identified 1756 proteins, which fall into five major categories: metabolic pathways, response to stimulus, transport, development, and growth, as well as regulation. By comparing the proteomes of crude and enriched extractions of PBs, we found substantial evidence for the following conclusions: (i) ribosomes, ER membranes, and the cytoskeleton are tightly associated with zein PBs, which form the peripheral border; (ii) zein RNAs are probably transported and localized to the PB-ER subdomain; and (iii) ER chaperones are essential for zein folding, quality control, and assembly into PBs. We futher confirmed that OPAQUE1 (O1) cannot directly interact with FLOURY1 (FL1) in yeast, suggesting that the interaction between myosins XI and DUF593-containing proteins is isoform-specific. This study provides a proteomic roadmap for dissecting zein PB biogenesis and reveals an unexpected diversity and complexity of proteins in PBs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guifeng Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
| | - Yulong Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
| | - Dongsheng Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
| | - Bilian Shuai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
| | - Liang Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
| | - Yuanping Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
| | - Rentao Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China, and
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Maize endosperm-specific transcription factors O2 and PBF network the regulation of protein and starch synthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:10842-7. [PMID: 27621432 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1613721113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The maize endosperm-specific transcription factors opaque2 (O2) and prolamine-box binding factor (PBF) regulate storage protein zein genes. We show that they also control starch synthesis. The starch content in the PbfRNAi and o2 mutants was reduced by ∼5% and 11%, respectively, compared with normal genotypes. In the double-mutant PbfRNAi;o2, starch was decreased by 25%. Transcriptome analysis reveals that >1,000 genes were affected in each of the two mutants and in the double mutant; these genes were mainly enriched in sugar and protein metabolism. Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase 1 and 2 (PPDKs) and starch synthase III (SSIII) are critical components in the starch biosynthetic enzyme complex. The expression of PPDK1, PPDK2, and SSIII and their protein levels are further reduced in the double mutants as compared with the single mutants. When the promoters of these genes were analyzed, we found a prolamine box and an O2 box that can be additively transactivated by PBF and O2. Starch synthase IIa (SSIIa, encoding another starch synthase for amylopectin) and starch branching enzyme 1 (SBEI, encoding one of the two main starch branching enzymes) are not directly regulated by PBF and O2, but their protein levels are significantly decreased in the o2 mutant and are further decreased in the double mutant, indicating that o2 and PbfRNAi may affect the levels of some other transcription factor(s) or mRNA regulatory factor(s) that in turn would affect the transcript and protein levels of SSIIa and SBEI These findings show that three important traits-nutritional quality, calories, and yield-are linked through the same transcription factors.
Collapse
|
47
|
Rasool G, Yousaf S, Akram A, Mansoor S, Briddon RW, Saeed M. G5, a Phage Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein, Fused with a Nuclear Localization Signal, Attenuates Symptoms and Reduces Begomovirus-Betasatellite Accumulation in Transgenic Plants. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 58:595-602. [PMID: 27364491 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-016-9959-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cotton leaf curl disease is caused by several monopartite begomoviruses and is the major threat to cotton production in the Indian subcontinent. The disease has been shown to be associated with four distinct species, including Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV), and a specific betasatellite-Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants were produced which constitutively express the Escherichia coli phage M13 encoded, sequence nonspecific single-stranded (ss) DNA-binding protein, G5 alone and fused with the maize opaque-2 nuclear localization signal (NLS), to evaluate resistance against CLCuKoV-CLCuMuB. Transgenic plants expressing only G5 performed poorly exhibiting symptoms of infection and high virus DNA levels upon inoculation with CLCuKoV and CLCuKoV with CLCuMuB. In contrast, plants transformed with G5 fused to the NLS developed mild symptoms and showed a reduction in virus and betasatellite DNA levels in comparison to nontransformed plants. The results show that G5 may be useful in developing broad-spectrum resistance against ssDNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Rasool
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 38000, P O Box # 128, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sumaira Yousaf
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 38000, P O Box # 128, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Afzal Akram
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 38000, P O Box # 128, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Mansoor
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 38000, P O Box # 128, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rob W Briddon
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 38000, P O Box # 128, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, 38000, P O Box # 128, Pakistan.
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yao D, Qi W, Li X, Yang Q, Yan S, Ling H, Wang G, Wang G, Song R. Maize opaque10 Encodes a Cereal-Specific Protein That Is Essential for the Proper Distribution of Zeins in Endosperm Protein Bodies. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006270. [PMID: 27541862 PMCID: PMC4991801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cereal storage proteins are major nitrogen sources for humans and livestock. Prolamins are the most abundant storage protein in most cereals. They are deposited into protein bodies (PBs) in seed endosperm. The inner structure and the storage mechanism for prolamin PBs is poorly understood. Maize opaque10 (o10) is a classic opaque endosperm mutant with misshapen PBs. Through positional cloning, we found that O10 encodes a novel cereal-specific PB protein. Its middle domain contains a seven-repeat sequence that is responsible for its dimerization. Its C terminus contains a transmembrane motif that is required for its ER localization and PB deposition. A cellular fractionation assay indicated that O10 is initially synthesized in the cytoplasm and then anchored to the ER and eventually deposited in the PB. O10 can interact with 19-kD and 22-kD α-zeins and 16-kD and 50-kD γ-zeins through its N-terminal domain. An immunolocalization assay indicated that O10 co-localizes with 16-kD γ-zein and 22-kD α-zein in PBs, forming a ring-shaped structure at the interface between the α-zein-rich core and the γ-zein-rich peripheral region. The loss of O10 function disrupts this ring-shaped distribution of 22-kD and 16-kD zeins, resulting in misshapen PBs. These results showed that O10, as a newly evolved PB protein, is essential for the ring-shaped distribution of 22-kD and 16-kD zeins and controls PB morphology in maize endosperm. Through the positional cloning of the maize classic endosperm mutant opaque10 (o10), we identified a novel protein critical for PB morphology. O10 is a fast-evolving cereal-specific gene with recent origin. A thorough characterization of its three functional domains revealed its important functions for storage protein deposition and organization in PBs. O10 determines a ring-shaped layer in PBs through direct interaction with two major storage proteins (22-kD and 16-kD zeins). This newly characterized PB layer maintains a stable spherical morphology for PB. This study advanced our understanding of PB structure and function. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the origin of a new functional gene and the functional evolution of a storage organelle that is highly valuable to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center (CBRC), Beijing, China
| | - Xia Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumei Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiling Ling
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center (CBRC), Beijing, China
| | - Guifeng Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center (CBRC), Beijing, China
| | - Rentao Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Coordinated Crop Biology Research Center (CBRC), Beijing, China
- National Maize Improvement Center of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Divergent Transactivation of Maize Storage Protein Zein Genes by the Transcription Factors Opaque2 and OHPs. Genetics 2016; 204:581-591. [PMID: 27474726 PMCID: PMC5068848 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.192385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize transcription factors (TFs) opaque2 (O2) and the O2 heterodimerizing proteins (OHP1 and OHP2) originated from an ancient segmental duplication. The 22-kDa (z1C) and 19-kDa (z1A, z1B, and z1D) α-zeins are the most abundant storage proteins in maize endosperm. O2 is known to regulate α-zein gene expression, but its target motifs in the 19-kDa α-zein gene promoters have not been identified. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of α-zein genes by these TFs are also not well understood. In this study, we found that the O2 binding motifs in the α-zein gene promoters are quite flexible, with ACGT being present in the z1C and z1A promoters and a variant, ACAT, being present in the z1B and z1D promoters. OHPs recognized and transactivated all of the α-zein promoters, although to much lower levels than did O2. In the presence of O2, the suppression of OHPs did not cause a significant reduction in the transcription of α-zein genes, but in the absence of O2, OHPs were critical for the expression of residual levels of α-zeins. These findings demonstrated that O2 is the primary TF and that OHPs function as minor TFs in this process. This relationship is the converse of that involved in 27-kDa γ-zein gene regulation, indicating that the specificities of O2 and the OHPs for regulating zein genes diverged after gene duplication. The prolamine-box binding factor by itself has limited transactivation activity, but it promotes the binding of O2 to O2 motifs, resulting in the synergistic transactivation of α-zein genes.
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhou Z, Song L, Zhang X, Li X, Yan N, Xia R, Zhu H, Weng J, Hao Z, Zhang D, Yong H, Li M, Zhang S. Introgression of opaque2 into Waxy Maize Causes Extensive Biochemical and Proteomic Changes in Endosperm. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158971. [PMID: 27391593 PMCID: PMC4938266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Waxy maize is prevalently grown in China and other countries due to the excellent characters and economic value. However, its low content of lysine can't meet the nutritional requirements of humans and livestock. In the present study, we introgressed the opaque2 (o2) allele into waxy maize line Zhao OP-6/O2O2 by using marker-assisted selection (MAS) technique and successfully improved the lysine content and quality of waxy maize. Transcript abundance analysis indicated that the wx1 expression levels had no difference between Zhao OP-6/o2o2 and Zhao OP-6/O2O2. However, Zhao OP-6/o2o2 was characterized by a phenotype of hard and vitreous kernels and accumulation of protein bodies at smaller size (one third of that of parents) but in larger numbers. Biochemical analyses showed that Zhao OP-6/o2o2 had 16.7% less free amino acids than Zhao OP-6/O2O2, especially those derived from glycolytic intermediates, but its content of lysine was increased by 51.6% (0.47% vs. 0.31%). The content of amylopectin was 98.5% in Zhao OP-6/o2o2, significantly higher than that in Zhao OP-6/O2O2 (97.7%). Proteomic analyses indicated that o2 introgression not only decreased the accumulation of various zein proteins except for 27-kDa γ-zein, but also affected other endosperm proteins related to amino acid biosynthesis, starch-protein balance, stress response and signal transduction. This study gives us an intriguing insight into the metabolism changes in endosperm of waxy maize introgressed with opaque2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liya Song
- Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxing Zhang
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhai Li
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Yan
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Renpei Xia
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng Weng
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuanfang Hao
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Degui Zhang
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Yong
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingshun Li
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shihuang Zhang
- Department of Crop Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|