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He J, Wang J, Zhang Z. Toward unveiling transcriptome dynamics and regulatory modules at the maternal/filial interface of developing maize kernel. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:2124-2140. [PMID: 38551088 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16733] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The basal region of maize (Zea mays) kernels, which includes the pedicel, placenta-chalazal, and basal endosperm transfer layers, serves as the maternal/filial interface for nutrient transfer from the mother plant to the developing seed. However, transcriptome dynamics of this maternal/filial interface remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, we conducted high-temporal-resolution RNA sequencing of the basal and upper kernel regions between 4 and 32 days after pollination and deeply analyzed transcriptome dynamics of the maternal/filial interface. Utilizing 790 specifically and highly expressed genes in the basal region, we performed the gene ontology (GO) term and weighted gene co-expression network analyses. In the early-stage basal region, we identified five MADS-box transcription factors (TFs) as hubs. Their homologs have been demonstrated as pivotal regulators at the maternal/filial interface of rice or Arabidopsis, suggesting their potential roles in maize kernel development. In the filling-stage basal region, numerous GO terms associated with transcriptional regulation and transporters are significantly enriched. Furthermore, we investigated the molecular function of three hub TFs. Through genome-wide DNA affinity purification sequencing combined with promoter transactivation assays, we suggested that these three TFs act as regulators of 10 basal-specific transporter genes involved in the transfer of sugars, amino acids, and ions. This study provides insights into transcriptomic dynamic and regulatory modules of the maternal/filial interface. In the future, genetic investigation of these hub regulators must advance our understanding of maternal/filial interface development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan He
- 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
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
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2
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Mao T, Zhang Y, Xue W, Jin Y, Zhao H, Wang Y, Wang S, Zhuo S, Gao F, Su Y, Yu C, Guo X, Sheng Y, Zhang J, Zhang H. Identification, characterisation and expression analysis of peanut sugar invertase genes reveal their vital roles in response to abiotic stress. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:30. [PMID: 38195770 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03123-5] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Sucrose invertase activity is positively related to osmotic and salt stress resistance in peanut. Sucrose invertases (INVs) have important functions in plant growth and response to environmental stresses. However, their biological roles in peanut are still not fully revealed. In this research, we identified 42 AhINV genes in the peanut genome. They were highly conserved and clustered into three groups with 24 segmental duplication events occurred under purifying selection. Transcriptional expression analysis exhibited that they were all ubiquitously expressed, and most of them were up-regulated by osmotic and salt stresses, with AhINV09, AhINV23 and AhINV19 showed the most significant up-regulation. Further physiochemical analysis showed that the resistance of peanut to osmotic and salt stress was positively related to the high sugar content and sucrose invertase activity. Our results provided fundamental information on the structure and evolutionary relationship of INV gene family in peanut and gave theoretical guideline for further functional study of AhINV genes in response to abiotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Mao
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenwen Xue
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu Jin
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongfei Zhao
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shengjie Zhuo
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Feifei Gao
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanping Su
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunyan Yu
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaotong Guo
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuting Sheng
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China.
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- The Engineering Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China.
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, 186 Hongqizhong Road, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China.
- Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 21 Zhichubei Road, Yantai, 264001, Shandong Province, China.
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3
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Wei YM, Wang BH, Shao DJ, Yan RY, Wu JW, Zheng GM, Zhao YJ, Zhang XS, Zhao XY. Defective kernel 66 encodes a GTPase essential for kernel development in maize. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:5694-5708. [PMID: 37490479 PMCID: PMC10540730 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad289] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrion is a semi-autonomous organelle that provides energy for cell activities through oxidative phosphorylation. In this study, we identified a defective kernel 66 (dek66)-mutant maize with defective kernels. We characterized a candidate gene, DEK66, encoding a ribosomal assembly factor located in mitochondria and possessing GTPase activity (which belongs to the ribosome biogenesis GTPase A family). In the dek66 mutant, impairment of mitochondrial structure and function led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and promoted programmed cell death in endosperm cells. Furthermore, the transcript levels of most of the key genes associated with nutrient storage, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, and mitochondrial ribosomes in the dek66 mutant were significantly altered. Collectively, the results suggest that DEK66 is essential for the development of maize kernels by affecting mitochondrial function. This study provides a reference for understanding the impact of a mitochondrial ribosomal assembly factor in maize kernel development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ming Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
- College of Life Sciences, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277160, China
| | - Bo Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Dong Jie Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
- College of Life Sciences, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277160, China
| | - Ru Yu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Jia Wen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Guang Ming Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Ya Jie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xian Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xiang Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
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Liu B, Li L, Fu C, Zhang Y, Bai B, Du J, Zeng J, Bian Y, Liu S, Song J, Luo X, Xie L, Sun M, Xu X, Xia X, Cao S. Genetic dissection of grain morphology and yield components in a wheat line with defective grain filling. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:165. [PMID: 37392240 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE We identified stable QTL for grain morphology and yield component traits in a wheat defective grain filling line and validated genetic effects in a panel of cultivars using breeding-relevant markers. Grain filling capacity is essential for grain yield and appearance quality in cereal crops. Identification of genetic loci for grain filling is important for wheat improvement. However, there are few genetic studies on grain filling in wheat. Here, a defective grain filling (DGF) line wdgf1 characterized by shrunken grains was identified in a population derived from multi-round crosses involving nine parents and a recombinant inbreed line (RIL) population was generated from the cross between wdgf1 and a sister line with normal grains. We constructed a genetic map of the RIL population using the wheat 15K single nucleotide polymorphism chip and detected 25 stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain morphology and yield components, including three for DGF, eleven for grain size, six for thousand grain weight, three for grain number per spike and two for spike number per m2. Among them, QDGF.caas-7A is co-located with QTGW.caas-7A and can explain 39.4-64.6% of the phenotypic variances, indicating that this QTL is a major locus controlling DGF. Sequencing and linkage mapping showed that TaSus2-2B and Rht-B1 were candidate genes for QTGW.caas-2B and the QTL cluster (QTGW.caas-4B, QGNS.caas-4B, and QSN.caas-4B), respectively. We developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers tightly linked to the stable QTL without corresponding to known yield-related genes, and validated their genetic effects in a diverse panel of wheat cultivars. These findings not only lay a solid foundation for genetic dissection underlying grain filling and yield formation, but also provide useful tools for marker-assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyan Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Lingli Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Chao Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yingjun Zhang
- Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Breeding of Hebei, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Bai
- Wheat Research Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiuyuan Du
- Wheat Research Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianqi Zeng
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Bian
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Siyang Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xumei Luo
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Lina Xie
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Mengjing Sun
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowan Xu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xianchun Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Shuanghe Cao
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China.
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5
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Li Y, Li D, E L, Yang J, Liu W, Xu M, Ye J. ZmDRR206 Regulates Nutrient Accumulation in Endosperm through Its Role in Cell Wall Biogenesis during Maize Kernel Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108735. [PMID: 37240079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirigent proteins (DIRs) contribute to plant fitness by dynamically reorganizing the cell wall and/or by generating defense compounds during plant growth, development, and interactions with environmental stresses. ZmDRR206 is a maize DIR, it plays a role in maintaining cell wall integrity during seedling growth and defense response in maize, but its role in regulating maize kernel development is unclear. Association analysis of candidate genes indicated that the natural variations of ZmDRR206 were significantly associated with maize hundred-kernel weight (HKW). ZmDRR206 plays a dominant role in storage nutrient accumulation in endosperm during maize kernel development, ZmDRR206 overexpression resulted in small and shrunken maize kernel with significantly reduced starch content and significantly decreased HKW. Cytological characterization of the developing maize kernels revealed that ZmDRR206 overexpression induced dysfunctional basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) cells, which were shorter with less wall ingrowth, and defense response was constitutively activated in developing maize kernel at 15 and 18 DAP by ZmDRR206 overexpression. The BETL-development-related genes and auxin signal-related genes were down-regulated, while cell wall biogenesis-related genes were up-regulated in developing BETL of the ZmDRR206-overexpressing kernel. Moreover, the developing ZmDRR206-overexpressing kernel had significantly reduced contents of the cell wall components such as cellulose and acid soluble lignin. These results suggest that ZmDRR206 may play a regulatory role in coordinating cell development, storage nutrient metabolism, and stress responses during maize kernel development through its role in cell wall biogenesis and defense response, and provides new insights into understanding the mechanisms of kernel development in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Li
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lizhu E
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiayi Yang
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingliang Xu
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianrong Ye
- National Maize Improvement Center, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Zhu Y, Zhang S, Yu J. ZmAdSS1 encodes adenylosuccinate synthetase and plays a critical role in maize seed development and the accumulation of nutrients. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 330:111644. [PMID: 36806609 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111644] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adenylosuccinate synthetase (AdSS, EC.6.3.4.4) is a key enzyme in the de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides in organisms. Its downstream product AMP plays a critical role in the process of energy metabolism, which can affect the content of ADP and ATP. However, impacts of its loss-of-function on plant metabolism and development has been relatively poorly reported. Here, we report the identification and analysis of a maize yu18 mutant obtained by mutagenesis with ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS). The yu18 is a lethal-seed mutant. Map-based cloning and allelic testing confirmed that yu18 encodes adenylosuccinate synthetase and was named ZmAdSS1. ZmAdSS1 is constitutively expressed. In the yu18 mutant, the activity of the ZmAdSS1 enzyme was decreased, which caused AMP content reduced 33.62%. The yu18 mutation significantly suppressed endoreduplication and disrupted nutrient accumulation, resulting in lower starch and protein contents that are responsible for seed filling. Further transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed dramatic alterations in the carbohydrate metabolic pathway and amino acid metabolic pathway in yu18 kernels. Our findings demonstrate that ZmAdSS1 participates in the synthesis of AMP and affects endosperm development and nutrient accumulation in maize seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Shuaisong Zhang
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Jingjuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Tian R, Jiang J, Bo S, Zhang H, Zhang X, Hearne SJ, Tang J, Ding D, Fu Z. Multi-omic characterization of the maize GPI synthesis mutant gwt1 with defects in kernel development. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:191. [PMID: 37038106 PMCID: PMC10084604 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04188-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) and GPI-anchored proteins (GAPs) are important for cell wall formation and reproductive development in Arabidopsis. However, monocot counterparts that function in kernel endosperm development have yet to be discovered. Here, we performed a multi-omic analysis to explore the function of GPI related genes on kernel development in maize. RESULTS In maize, 48 counterparts of human GPI synthesis and lipid remodeling genes were identified, in which null mutation of the glucosaminyl-phosphatidylinositol O-acyltransferase1 gene, ZmGWT1, caused a kernel mutant (named gwt1) with defects in the basal endosperm transport layer (BETL). We performed plasma membrane (PM) proteomics to characterize the potential GAPs involved in kernel development. In total, 4,981 proteins were successfully identified in 10-DAP gwt1 kernels of mutant and wild-type (WT), including 1,638 membrane-anchored proteins with different posttranslational modifications. Forty-seven of the 256 predicted GAPs were differentially accumulated between gwt1 and WT. Two predicted BETL-specific GAPs (Zm00001d018837 and Zm00001d049834), which kept similar abundance at general proteome but with significantly decreased abundance at membrane proteome in gwt1 were highlighted. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the importance of GPI and GAPs for endosperm development and provide candidate genes for further investigation of the regulatory network in which ZmGWT1 participates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runmiao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jianjun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Shirong Bo
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xuehai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Sarah Jane Hearne
- CIMMYT, KM 45 Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, Edo. De Mexico, 56237, Mexico
| | - Jihua Tang
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Dong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crops Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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8
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Zhao X, Niu Y, Hossain Z, Shi J, Mao T, Bai X. Integrated QTL Mapping, Meta-Analysis, and RNA-Sequencing Reveal Candidate Genes for Maize Deep-Sowing Tolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076770. [PMID: 37047743 PMCID: PMC10094843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synergetic elongation of mesocotyl and coleoptile are crucial in governing maize seedlings emergence, especially for the maize sown in deep soil. Studying the genomic regions controlling maize deep-sowing tolerance would aid the development of new varieties that are resistant to harsh conditions, such as drought and low temperature during seed germination. Using 346 F2:3 maize population families from W64A × K12 cross at three sowing depths, we identified 33 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the emergence rate, mesocotyl, coleoptile, and seedling lengths via composite interval mapping (CIM). These loci explained 2.89% to 14.17% of phenotypic variation in a single environment, while 12 of 13 major QTLs were identified at two or more sowing environments. Among those, four major QTLs in Bin 1.09, Bin 4.08, Bin 6.01, and Bin 7.02 supported pleiotropy for multiple deep-sowing tolerant traits. Meta-analysis identified 17 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) based on 130 original QTLs from present and previous studies. RNA-Sequencing of mesocotyl and coleoptile in both parents (W64A and K12) at 3 cm and 20 cm sowing environments identified 50 candidate genes expressed differentially in all major QTLs and MQTLs regions: six involved in the circadian clock, 27 associated with phytohormones biosynthesis and signal transduction, seven controlled lignin biosynthesis, five regulated cell wall organization formation and stabilization, three were responsible for sucrose and starch metabolism, and two in the antioxidant enzyme system. These genes with highly interconnected networks may form a complex molecular mechanism of maize deep-sowing tolerance. Findings of this study will facilitate the construction of molecular modules for deep-sowing tolerance in maize. The major QTLs and MQTLs identified could be used in marker-assisted breeding to develop elite maize varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yining Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zakir Hossain
- Swift Current Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, SK S9H 3X2, Canada
| | - Jing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Taotao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xiaodong Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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9
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Ma B, Zhang L, He Z. Understanding the regulation of cereal grain filling: The way forward. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:526-547. [PMID: 36648157 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During grain filling, starch and other nutrients accumulate in the endosperm; this directly determines grain yield and grain quality in crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Grain filling is a complex trait affected by both intrinsic and environmental factors, making it difficult to explore the underlying genetics, molecular regulation, and the application of these genes for breeding. With the development of powerful genetic and molecular techniques, much has been learned about the genes and molecular networks related to grain filling over the past decades. In this review, we highlight the key factors affecting grain filling, including both biological and abiotic factors. We then summarize the key genes controlling grain filling and their roles in this event, including regulators of sugar translocation and starch biosynthesis, phytohormone-related regulators, and other factors. Finally, we discuss how the current knowledge of valuable grain filling genes could be integrated with strategies for breeding cereal varieties with improved grain yield and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zuhua He
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
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10
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Wang J, Wang H, Li K, Liu X, Cao X, Zhou Y, Huang C, Peng Y, Hu X. Characterization and Transcriptome Analysis of Maize Small-Kernel Mutant smk7a in Different Development Stages. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:354. [PMID: 36679067 PMCID: PMC9866416 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The kernel serves as a storage organ for various nutrients and determines the yield and quality of maize. Understanding the mechanisms regulating kernel development is important for maize production. In this study, a small-kernel mutant smk7a of maize was characterized. Cytological observation suggested that the development of the endosperm and embryo was arrested in smk7a in the early development stage. Biochemical tests revealed that the starch, zein protein, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents were significantly lower in smk7a compared with wild-type (WT). Consistent with the defective development phenotype, transcriptome analysis of the kernels 12 and 20 days after pollination (DAP) revealed that the starch, zein, and auxin biosynthesis-related genes were dramatically downregulated in smk7a. Genetic mapping indicated that the mutant was controlled by a recessive gene located on chromosome 2. Our results suggest that disrupted nutrition accumulation and auxin synthesis cause the defective endosperm and embryo development of smk7a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kun Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Cao
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changling Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yunling Peng
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xiaojiao Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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11
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Liu J, Wu MW, Liu CM. Cereal Endosperms: Development and Storage Product Accumulation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 73:255-291. [PMID: 35226815 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-070221-024405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The persistent triploid endosperms of cereal crops are the most important source of human food and animal feed. The development of cereal endosperms progresses through coenocytic nuclear division, cellularization, aleurone and starchy endosperm differentiation, and storage product accumulation. In the past few decades, the cell biological processes involved in endosperm formation in most cereals have been described. Molecular genetic studies performed in recent years led to the identification of the genes underlying endosperm differentiation, regulatory network governing storage product accumulation, and epigenetic mechanism underlying imprinted gene expression. In this article, we outline recent progress in this area and propose hypothetical models to illustrate machineries that control aleurone and starchy endosperm differentiation, sugar loading, and storage product accumulations. A future challenge in this area is to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying coenocytic nuclear division, endosperm cellularization, and programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Ming-Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Chun-Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
- Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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12
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Zheng Y. Molecular mechanisms of maize endosperm transfer cell development. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:1171-1180. [PMID: 34689216 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm transfer cells function as the nutrient transporter, antimicrobic barrier, and signal mediator between filial and maternal tissues. Sugar supply of maternal tissues, sugar demand of filial tissues, and requirement for defence against pathogens are three elemental factors inducing differentiation of endosperm transfer cells. Epigenetic factors, especially MEG1, moderate the key genetic factor ZmMRP-1 to activate endosperm transfer cell-specific genes that control the flange wall ingrowth formation and defensin-like protein secretion in maize. Auxin and cytokinin are primary hormones involved in development of maize endosperm transfer cells. Crosstalk between glucose and hormone signaling regulates endosperm transfer cell development via modifying ZmMRP-1 expression. This review summarizes the current knowledge on maize endosperm transfer cell development, and discusses its potential molecular mechanisms. It is expected to strengthen the theoretical basis for structural and functional optimization of endosperm transfer cells, and yield improvement of kernels in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, 246133, Anhui, China.
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13
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Shen S, Ma S, Chen XM, Yi F, Li BB, Liang XG, Liao SJ, Gao LH, Zhou SL, Ruan YL. A transcriptional landscape underlying sugar import for grain set in maize. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 110:228-242. [PMID: 35020972 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing seed depends on sugar supply for its growth and yield formation. Maize (Zea mays L.) produces the largest grains among cereals. However, there is a lack of holistic understanding of the transcriptional landscape of genes controlling sucrose transport to, and utilization within, maize grains. By performing in-depth data mining of spatio-temporal transcriptomes coupled with histological and heterologous functional analyses, we identified transporter genes specifically expressed in the maternal-filial interface, including (i) ZmSWEET11/13b in the placento-chalazal zone, where sucrose is exported into the apoplasmic space, and (ii) ZmSTP3, ZmSWEET3a/4c (monosaccharide transporters), ZmSUT1, and ZmSWEET11/13a (sucrose transporters) in the basal endosperm transfer cells for retrieval of apoplasmic sucrose or hexoses after hydrolysis by extracellular invertase. In the embryo and its surrounding regions, an embryo-localized ZmSUT4 and a cohort of ZmSWEETs were specifically expressed. Interestingly, drought repressed those ZmSWEETs likely exporting sucrose but enhanced the expression of most transporter genes for uptake of apoplasmic sugars. Importantly, this drought-induced fluctuation in gene expression was largely attenuated by an increased C supply via controlled pollination, indicating that the altered gene expression is conditioned by C availability. Based on the analyses above, we proposed a holistic model on the spatio-temporal expression of genes that likely govern sugar transport and utilization across maize maternal and endosperm and embryo tissues during the critical stage of grain set. Collectively, the findings represent an advancement towards a holistic understanding of the transcriptional landscape underlying post-phloem sugar transport in maize grain and indicate that the drought-induced changes in gene expression are attributable to low C status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Shen
- College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Si Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xian-Min Chen
- College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fei Yi
- College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bin-Bin Li
- College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiao-Gui Liang
- College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Research Center on Ecological Science, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Sheng-Jin Liao
- Research Center of Agricultural Information & Technology, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li-Hong Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Growth and Developmental Regulation for Protected Vegetable Crops, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shun-Li Zhou
- College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yong-Ling Ruan
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
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14
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Ji C, Xu L, Li Y, Fu Y, Li S, Wang Q, Zeng X, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wang W, Wang J, Wu Y. The O2-ZmGRAS11 transcriptional regulatory network orchestrates the coordination of endosperm cell expansion and grain filling in maize. MOLECULAR PLANT 2022; 15:468-487. [PMID: 34848346 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) endosperm filling is coordinated with cell expansion to enlarge the grain size, but the mechanism coupling the two processes is poorly understood. Starchy endosperm cells basically contain no visible vacuoles for cell expansion. During grain filling, efficient synthesis of storage compounds leads to reduced cytoplasm and thus lowered cell turgor pressure. Although bioactive gibberellins (GAs) are essential for cell expansion, they accumulate at a low level at this stage. In this study, we identified an endosperm-specific GRAS domain-containing protein (ZmGRAS11) that lacks the DELLA domain and promotes cell expansion in the filling endosperm. The zmgras11 loss-of-function mutants showed normal grain filling but delayed cell expansion, thereby resulting in reduced kernel size and weight. Overexpression of ZmGRAS11 led to larger endosperm cells and therefore increased kernel size and weight. Consistent with this, ZmGRAS11 positively regulates the expression of ZmEXPB12, which is essential for cell expansion, at the endosperm filling stage. Moreover, we found that Opaque2 (O2), a central transcription factor that regulates endosperm filling, could directly bind to the promoter of ZmGRAS11 and activate its expression. Taken together, these results suggest that endosperm cell expansion is coupled with endosperm filling, which is orchestrated by the O2-ZmGRAS11-centered transcriptional regulatory network. Our findings also provide potential targets for maize yield improvement by increasing the storage capacity of endosperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lina Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yujie Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxin Fu
- Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shuai Li
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xing Zeng
- College of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhongqin Zhang
- Hebei Sub-center of the Chinese National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- College of Life Science, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China.
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15
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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.
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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,
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16
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Singh A, Mathan J, Yadav A, K. Goyal A, Chaudhury A. Molecular and Transcriptional Regulation of Seed Development in Cereals: Present Status and Future Prospects. CEREAL GRAINS - VOLUME 1 2021. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.99318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2023]
Abstract
Cereals are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils and protein, making them the world’s most important source of nutrition. The influence of rising global population, as well as the emergence and spread of disease, has the major impact on cereal production. To meet the demand, there is a pressing need to increase cereal production. Optimal seed development is a key agronomical trait that contributes to crop yield. The seed development and maturation is a complex process that includes not only embryo and endosperm development, but also accompanied by huge physiological, biochemical, metabolic, molecular and transcriptional changes. This chapter discusses the growth of cereal seed and highlights the novel biological insights, with a focus on transgenic and new molecular breeding, as well as biotechnological intervention strategies that have improved crop yield in two major cereal crops, primarily wheat and rice, over the last 21 years (2000–2021).
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17
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Hu M, Zhao H, Yang B, Yang S, Liu H, Tian H, Shui G, Chen Z, E L, Lai J, Song W. ZmCTLP1 is required for the maintenance of lipid homeostasis and the basal endosperm transfer layer in maize kernels. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:2384-2399. [PMID: 34559890 PMCID: PMC9292782 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Maize kernel weight is influenced by the unloading of nutrients from the maternal placenta and their passage through the transfer tissue of the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) and the basal intermediate zone (BIZ) to the upper part of the endosperm. Here, we show that Small kernel 10 (Smk10) encodes a choline transporter-like protein 1 (ZmCTLP1) that facilitates choline uptake and is located in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Its loss of function results in reduced choline content, leading to smaller kernels with a lower starch content. Mutation of ZmCTLP1 disrupts membrane lipid homeostasis and the normal development of wall in-growths. Expression levels of Mn1 and ZmSWEET4c, two kernel filling-related genes, are downregulated in the smk10, which is likely to be one of the major causes of incompletely differentiated transfer cells. Mutation of ZmCTLP1 also reduces the number of plasmodesmata (PD) in transfer cells, indicating that the smk10 mutant is impaired in PD formation. Intriguingly, we also observed premature cell death in the BETL and BIZ of the smk10 mutant. Together, our results suggest that ZmCTLP1-mediated choline transport affects kernel development, highlighting its important role in lipid homeostasis, wall in-growth formation and PD development in transfer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Haiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Shuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Haihong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and BiochemistryCollege of Biological SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - He Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Zongliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
- Waksman Institute of MicrobiologyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNJ08854‐8020USA
| | - Lizhu E
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Jinsheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Weibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement CenterDepartment of Plant Genetics and BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
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18
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Trihelix Transcription Factor ZmThx20 Is Required for Kernel Development in Maize. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212137. [PMID: 34830019 PMCID: PMC8624104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize kernels are the harvested portion of the plant and are related to the yield and quality of maize. The endosperm of maize is a large storage organ that constitutes 80–90% of the dry weight of mature kernels. Maize kernels have long been the study of cereal grain development to increase yield. In this study, a natural mutation that causes abnormal kernel development, and displays a shrunken kernel phenotype, was identified and named “shrunken 2008 (sh2008)”. The starch grains in sh2008 are loose and have a less proteinaceous matrix surrounding them. The total storage protein and the major storage protein zeins are ~70% of that in the wild-type control (WT); in particular, the 19 kDa and 22 kDa α-zeins. Map-based cloning revealed that sh2008 encodes a GT-2 trihelix transcription factor, ZmThx20. Using CRISPR/Cas9, two other alleles with mutated ZmThx20 were found to have the same abnormal kernel. Shrunken kernels can be rescued by overexpressing normal ZmThx20. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the kernels from sh2008 and WT showed that the GO terms of translation, ribosome, and nutrient reservoir activity were enriched in the down-regulated genes (sh2008/WT). In short, these changes can lead to defects in endosperm development and storage reserve filling in seeds.
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Wei YM, Ren ZJ, Wang BH, Zhang L, Zhao YJ, Wu JW, Li LG, Zhang XS, Zhao XY. A nitrate transporter encoded by ZmNPF7.9 is essential for maize seed development. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 308:110901. [PMID: 34034862 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.110901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plants and regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. Nitrate is one of the major forms of nitrogen in plants. However, the role of nitrate uptake and allocation in seed development is not fully understood. Here, we identified the maize (Zea mays) small-kernel mutant zmnpf7.9 and characterized the candidate gene, ZmNPF7.9, which was the same gene as nitrate transport 1.5 (NRT1.5) in maize. This gene is specifically expressed in the basal endosperm transfer layer cells of maize endosperm. Dysfunction of ZmNPF7.9 resulted in delayed endosperm development, abnormal starch deposition and decreased hundred-grain weight. Functional analysis of cRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes showed that ZmNPF7.9 is a low-affinity, pH-dependent bidirectional nitrate transporter. Moreover, the amount of nitrate in mature seeds of the zmnpf7.9 mutant was reduced. These suggest that ZmNPF7.9 is involved in delivering nitrate from maternal tissues to the developing endosperm. Moreover, most of the key genes associated with glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, carbon fixation, carbon metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids pathways in the zmnpf7.9 mutant were significantly down-regulated. Thus, our results demonstrate that ZmNPF7.9 plays a specific role in seed development and grain weight by regulating nutrition transport and metabolism, which might provide useful information for maize genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ming Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Zhi Jie Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Bo Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Ya Jie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Jia Wen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Le Gong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xian Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China; College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Xiang Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China; College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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20
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De Coninck T, Gistelinck K, Janse van Rensburg HC, Van den Ende W, Van Damme EJM. Sweet Modifications Modulate Plant Development. Biomolecules 2021; 11:756. [PMID: 34070047 PMCID: PMC8158104 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant development represents a continuous process in which the plant undergoes morphological, (epi)genetic and metabolic changes. Starting from pollination, seed maturation and germination, the plant continues to grow and develops specialized organs to survive, thrive and generate offspring. The development of plants and the interplay with its environment are highly linked to glycosylation of proteins and lipids as well as metabolism and signaling of sugars. Although the involvement of these protein modifications and sugars is well-studied, there is still a long road ahead to profoundly comprehend their nature, significance, importance for plant development and the interplay with stress responses. This review, approached from the plants' perspective, aims to focus on some key findings highlighting the importance of glycosylation and sugar signaling for plant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibo De Coninck
- Laboratory of Glycobiology & Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (K.G.)
| | - Koen Gistelinck
- Laboratory of Glycobiology & Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (K.G.)
| | - Henry C. Janse van Rensburg
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (H.C.J.v.R.); (W.V.d.E.)
| | - Wim Van den Ende
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (H.C.J.v.R.); (W.V.d.E.)
| | - Els J. M. Van Damme
- Laboratory of Glycobiology & Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (K.G.)
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21
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Yi F, Gu W, Li J, Chen J, Hu L, Cui Y, Zhao H, Guo Y, Lai J, Song W. Miniature Seed6, encoding an endoplasmic reticulum signal peptidase, is critical in seed development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 185:985-1001. [PMID: 33793873 PMCID: PMC8133640 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) type I signal peptidases (ER SPases I) are vital proteases that cleave signal peptides from secreted proteins. However, the specific function of ER SPase I in plants has not been genetically characterized, and the substrate is largely unknown. Here, we report the identification of a maize (Zea mays) miniature seed6 (mn6) mutant. The loss-of-function mn6 mutant exhibited severely reduced endosperm size. Map-based cloning and molecular characterization indicated that Mn6 is an S26-family ER SPase I, with Gly102 (box E) in Mn6 critical for protein function during processing. Mass spectrometric and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that Mn6 is predominantly involved in processing carbohydrate synthesis-related proteins, including the cell wall invertase miniature seed1 (Mn1), which is specifically expressed in the basal endosperm transfer layer. RNA and protein expression levels of Mn1 were both significantly downregulated in the mn6 mutant. Due to the significant reduction in cell wall invertase activity in the transfer cell layer, mutation of Mn6 caused dramatic defects in endosperm development. These results suggest that proper maturation of Mn1 by Mn6 may be a crucial step for proper seed filling and maize development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Plant Growth Regulator, Ministry of Education & College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Wei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jianfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Li Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Haiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jinsheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Weibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- Author for communication:
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22
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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.
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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
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23
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Ma J, Wang L, Cao Y, Wang H, Li H. Association Mapping and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Genetic Architecture of Maize Kernel Size. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:632788. [PMID: 33815440 PMCID: PMC8013726 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.632788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Kernel length, kernel width, and kernel thickness are important traits affecting grain yield and product quality. Here, the genetic architecture of the three kernel size traits was dissected in an association panel of 309 maize inbred lines using four statistical methods. Forty-two significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; p < 1.72E-05) and 70 genes for the three traits were identified under five environments. One and eight SNPs were co-detected in two environments and by at least two methods, respectively, and they explained 5.87-9.59% of the phenotypic variation. Comparing the transcriptomes of two inbred lines with contrasting seed size, three and eight genes identified in the association panel showed significantly differential expression between the two genotypes at 15 and 39 days after pollination, respectively. Ten and 17 genes identified by a genome-wide association study were significantly differentially expressed between the two development stages in the two genotypes. Combining environment-/method-stable SNPs and differential expression analysis, ribosomal protein L7, jasmonate-regulated gene 21, serine/threonine-protein kinase RUNKEL, AP2-EREBP-transcription factor 16, and Zm00001d035222 (cell wall protein IFF6-like) were important candidate genes for maize kernel size and development.
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24
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Offler CE, Patrick JW. Transfer cells: what regulates the development of their intricate wall labyrinths? THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:427-444. [PMID: 32463520 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Transfer cells (TCs) support high nutrient rates into, or at symplasmic discontinuities within, the plant body. Their transport capacity is conferred by an amplified plasma membrane surface area, enriched in nutrient transporters, supported on an intricately invaginated wall labyrinth (WL). Thus, development of the WL is at the heart of TC function. Enquiry has shifted from describing WL architecture and formation to discovering mechanisms regulating WL assembly. Experimental systems used to examine these phenomena are critiqued. Considerable progress has been made in identifying master regulators that commit stem cells to a TC fate (e.g. the maize Myeloblastosis (MYB)-related R1-type transcription factor) and signals that induce differentiated cells to undergo trans-differentiation to a TC phenotype (e.g. sugar, auxin and ethylene). In addition, signals that provide positional information for assembly of the WL include apoplasmic hydrogen peroxide and cytosolic Ca2+ plumes. The former switches on, and specifies the intracellular site for WL construction, while the latter creates subdomains to direct assembly of WL invaginations. Less is known about macromolecule species and their spatial organization essential for WL assembly. Emerging evidence points to a dependency on methyl-esterified homogalacturonan accumulation, unique patterns of cellulose and callose deposition and spatial positioning of arabinogalactan proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Offler
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - John W Patrick
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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25
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Zhao H, Qin Y, Xiao Z, Li Q, Yang N, Pan Z, Gong D, Sun Q, Yang F, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Xu C, Qiu F. Loss of Function of an RNA Polymerase III Subunit Leads to Impaired Maize Kernel Development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 184:359-373. [PMID: 32591429 PMCID: PMC7479876 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Kernel size is an important factor determining grain yield. Although a number of genes affecting kernel development in maize (Zea mays) have been identified by analyzing kernel mutants, most of the corresponding mutants cannot be used in maize breeding programs due to low germination or incomplete seed development. Here, we characterized small kernel7, a recessive small-kernel mutant with a mutation in the gene encoding the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase III (RNAPΙΙΙ; NRPC2). A frame shift in ZmNRPC2 leads to a premature stop codon, resulting in significantly reduced levels of transfer RNAs and 5S ribosomal RNA, which are transcribed by RNAPΙΙΙ. Loss-of-function nrpc2 mutants created by CRISPR/CAS9 showed significantly reduced kernel size due to altered endosperm cell size and number. ZmNRPC2 affects RNAPIII activity and the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and endoreduplication to control kernel development via physically interacting with RNAPIII subunits RPC53 and AC40, transcription factor class C1 and Floury3. Notably, unlike the semidominant negative mutant floury3, which has defects in starchy endosperm, small kernel7 only affects kernel size but not the composition of kernel storage proteins. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular network underlying maize kernel size, which could facilitate the genetic improvement of maize in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailiang Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | | | - Ziyi Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, 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
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenyuan Pan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dianming Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qin Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fang Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zuxin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, 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
| | - Cao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fazhan Qiu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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26
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Deng Y, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wu Y. Transactivation of Sus1 and Sus2 by Opaque2 is an essential supplement to sucrose synthase-mediated endosperm filling in maize. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1897-1907. [PMID: 32004404 PMCID: PMC7415785 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The endosperm-specific transcription factor Opaque2 (O2) acts as a central regulator for endosperm filling, but its functions have not been fully defined. Regular o2 mutants exhibit a non-vitreous phenotype, so we used its vitreous variety Quality Protein Maize to create EMS-mutagenesis mutants for screening o2 enhancers (oen). A mutant (oen1) restored non-vitreousness and produced a large cavity in the seed due to severely depleted endosperm filling. When oen1 was introgressed into inbred W64A with a normal O2 gene, the seeds appeared vitreous but had a shrunken crown. oen1 was determined to encode Shrunken1 (Sh1), a sucrose synthase (SUS, EC 2.4.1.13). Maize contains three SUS-encoding genes (Sh1, Sus1, and Sus2) with Sh1 contributing predominantly to the endosperm. We determined SUS activity and found a major and minor reduction in oen1 and o2, respectively. In o2;oen1-1, SUS activity was further decreased. We found all Sus gene promoters contain at least one O2 binding element that can be specifically recognized and be transactivated by O2. Sus1 and Sus2 promoters had a much stronger O2 transactivation than Sh1, consistent with their transcript reduction in o2 endosperm. Although sus1 and sus2 alone or in combination had no perceptible phenotype, either of them could dramatically enhance seed opacity and cavity in sh1, indicating that transactivation of Sus1 and Sus2 by O2 supplements SUS-mediated endosperm filling in maize. Our findings demonstrate that O2 transcriptionally regulates the metabolic source entry for protein and starch synthesis during endosperm filling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Deng
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of the Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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27
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Zhang K, Guo L, Cheng W, Liu B, Li W, Wang F, Xu C, Zhao X, Ding Z, Zhang K, Li K. SH1-dependent maize seed development and starch synthesis via modulating carbohydrate flow and osmotic potential balance. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:264. [PMID: 32513104 PMCID: PMC7282075 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the main form of photoassimilates transported from vegetative tissues to the reproductive organs, sucrose and its degradation products are crucial for cell fate determination and development of maize kernels. Despite the relevance of sucrose synthase SH1 (shrunken 1)-mediated release of hexoses for kernel development, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms are not yet well understood in maize (Zea mays). RESULTS Here, we identified a new allelic mutant of SH1 generated by EMS mutagenesis, designated as sh1*. The mutation of SH1 caused more than 90% loss of sucrose synthase activity in sh1* endosperm, which resulted in a significant reduction in starch contents while a dramatic increase in soluble sugars. As a result, an extremely high osmolality in endosperm cells of sh1* was generated, which caused kernel swelling and affected the seed development. Quantitative measurement of phosphorylated sugars showed that Glc-1-P in endosperm of sh1* (17 μg g- 1 FW) was only 5.2% of that of wild-type (326 μg g- 1 FW). As a direct source of starch synthesis, the decrease of Glc-1-P may cause a significant reduction in carbohydrates that flow to starch synthesis, ultimately contributing to the defects in starch granule development and reduction of starch content. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that SH1-mediated sucrose degradation is critical for maize kernel development and starch synthesis by regulating the flow of carbohydrates and maintaining the balance of osmotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Li Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Maize Institute of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Baiyu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Wendi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Fei 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
| | - Changzheng Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715 China
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018 Shandong China
| | - Zhaohua Ding
- Maize Institute of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Kewei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Kunpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environment Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237 China
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28
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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.
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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
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29
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Combined GWAS and QTL analysis for dissecting the genetic architecture of kernel test weight in maize. Mol Genet Genomics 2019; 295:409-420. [PMID: 31807910 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-019-01631-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Kernel weight in a unit volume is referred to as kernel test weight (KTW) that directly reflects maize (Zea mays L.) grain quality. In this study, an inter-mated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) Syn10 doubled haploid (DH) population and an association panel were used to identify loci responsible for KTW of maize across multiple environments. A total of 18 significant KTW-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using genome-wide association study (GWAS); they were closely linked to 12 candidate genes. In the IBM Syn10 DH population, linkage analysis detected 19 common quantitative trait loci (QTL), five of which were repeatedly detected among multiple environments. Several verified genes that regulate maize seed development were found in the confidence intervals of the mapped QTL and the LD regions of GWAS, such as ZmYUC1, BAP2, ZmTCRR-1, dek36 and ZmSWEET4c. Combined QTL mapping and GWAS identified one significant SNP that was co-identified in the both populations. Based on the co-localized SNP across the both populations, 17 candidate genes were identified. Of them, Zm00001d044075, Zm00001d044086, and Zm00001d044081 were further identified by candidate gene association study for KTW. Zm00001d044081 encodes homeobox-leucine zipper protein ATHB-4, which has been demonstrated to control apical embryo development in Arabidopsis. Our findings provided insights into the mechanism underlying maize KTW and contributed to the application of molecular-assisted selection of high KTW breeding in maize.
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30
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Sehgal D, Mondal S, Guzman C, Garcia Barrios G, Franco C, Singh R, Dreisigacker S. Validation of Candidate Gene-Based Markers and Identification of Novel Loci for Thousand-Grain Weight in Spring Bread Wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1189. [PMID: 31616457 PMCID: PMC6775465 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Increased thousand-grain weight (TGW) is an important breeding target for indirectly improving grain yield (GY). Fourteen reported candidate genes known to enhance TGW were evaluated in two independent and existing datasets of wheat at CIMMYT, the Elite Yield Trial (EYT) from 2015 to 2016 (EYT2015-16) and the Wheat Association Mapping Initiative (WAMI) panel, to study their allele effects on TGW and to verify their suitability for marker-assisted selection. Of these, significant associations were detected for only one gene (TaGs3-D1) in the EYT2015-16 and two genes (TaTGW6 and TaSus1) in WAMI. The reported favorable alleles of TaGs3-D1 and TaTGW6 genes decreased TGW in the datasets. A haplotype-based genome wide association study was implemented to identify the genetic determinants of TGW on a large set of CIMMYT germplasm (4,302 lines comprising five EYTs), which identified 15 haplotype blocks to be significantly associated with TGW. Four of them, identified on chromosomes 4A, 6A, and 7A, were associated with TGW in at least three EYTs. The locus on chromosome 6A (Hap-6A-13) had the largest effect on TGW and additionally GY with increases of up to 2.60 g and 258 kg/ha, respectively. Discovery of novel TGW loci described in our study expands the opportunities for developing diagnostic markers and for multi-gene pyramiding to derive new allele combinations for enhanced TGW and GY in CIMMYT wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Guzman
- Departamento de Genética, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y de Montes, Edificio Gregor Mendel, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | | | - Ravi Singh
- Department of Bioscience, CIMMYT, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Susanne Dreisigacker
- Department of Bioscience, CIMMYT, Texcoco, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Susanne Dreisigacker,
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Li C, Huang Y, Huang R, Wu Y, Wang W. The genetic architecture of amylose biosynthesis in maize kernel. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:688-695. [PMID: 28796926 PMCID: PMC5787843 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Starch is the most abundant storage carbohydrate in maize kernel. The content of amylose and amylopectin confers unique properties in food processing and industrial application. Thus, the resurgent interest has been switched to the study of individual amylose or amylopectin rather than total starch, whereas the enzymatic machinery for amylose synthesis remains elusive. We took advantage of the phenotype of amylose content and the genotype of 9,007,194 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 464 inbred maize lines. The genome-wide association study identified 27 associated loci involving 39 candidate genes that were linked to amylose content including transcription factors, glycosyltransferases, glycosidases, as well as hydrolases. Except the waxy gene that encodes the granule-bound starch synthase, the remaining candidate genes were located in the upstream pathway of amylose synthesis, while the downstream members were already known from prior studies. The linked candidate genes could be transferred to manipulate amylose content and thus add value to maize kernel in the breeding programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Li
- College of Agriculture and BiologyShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghaiChina
- College of AgronomyShenyang Agriculture UniversityShenyangChina
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yongcai Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of the Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ruidong Huang
- College of AgronomyShenyang Agriculture UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular GeneticsCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesInstitute of Plant Physiology & EcologyShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Wenqin Wang
- College of Agriculture and BiologyShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghaiChina
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Bergareche D, Royo J, Muñiz LM, Hueros G. Cell wall invertase activity regulates the expression of the transfer cell-specific transcription factor ZmMRP-1. PLANTA 2018; 247:429-442. [PMID: 29071379 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies in cell wall bound invertase mutants indicate that the promoter of the transfer cell-specific transcription factor, ZmMRP - 1 , is modulated by the carbohydrate balance. Transfer cells are highly specialized plant cells located at the surfaces that need to support an intensive exchange of nutrients, such as the entrance of fruits, seeds and nodules or the young branching points along the stem. ZmMRP-1 is a one-domain MYB-related transcription factor specifically expressed at the transfer cell layer of the maize endosperm. Previous studies demonstrated that this factor regulates the expression of a large number of transfer cell-specific genes, and suggested that ZmMRP-1 is a key regulator of the differentiation of this tissue. The expression of this gene is largely dominated by positional cues, but within the ZmMRP-1 expressing cells the promoter appears to be modulated by sugars. Here we have investigated in vivo this modulation. Using maize and Arabidopsis mutants for cell wall invertase genes, we found that the absence of cell wall invertase activity is a major inductive signal of the ZmMRP-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Bergareche
- Dpto. Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Royo
- Dpto. Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Muñiz
- Dpto. Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregorio Hueros
- Dpto. Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, 28805, Madrid, Spain.
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Abstract
The maize endosperm consists of three major compartmentalized cell types: the starchy endosperm (SE), the basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL), and the aleurone cell layer (AL). Differential genetic programs are activated in each cell type to construct functionally and structurally distinct cells. To compare gene expression patterns involved in maize endosperm cell differentiation, we isolated transcripts from cryo-dissected endosperm specimens enriched with BETL, AL, or SE at 8, 12, and 16 days after pollination (DAP). We performed transcriptome profiling of coding and long noncoding transcripts in the three cell types during differentiation and identified clusters of the transcripts exhibiting spatio-temporal specificities. Our analysis uncovered that the BETL at 12 DAP undergoes the most dynamic transcriptional regulation for both coding and long noncoding transcripts. In addition, our transcriptome analysis revealed spatio-temporal regulatory networks of transcription factors, imprinted genes, and loci marked with histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 27. Our study suggests that various regulatory mechanisms contribute to the genetic networks specific to the functions and structures of the cell types of the endosperm.
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Li J, Fu J, Chen Y, Fan K, He C, Zhang Z, Li L, Liu Y, Zheng J, Ren D, Wang G. The U6 Biogenesis-Like 1 Plays an Important Role in Maize Kernel and Seedling Development by Affecting the 3' End Processing of U6 snRNA. MOLECULAR PLANT 2017; 10:470-482. [PMID: 27825944 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level is of crucial importance in the development of an organism. Here we present the characterization of a maize gene, U6 biogenesis-like 1 (UBL1), which plays an important role in kernel and seedling development by influencing pre-mRNA splicing. The ubl1 mutant, exhibiting small kernel and weak seedling, was isolated from a Mutator-tagged population. Transgenic complementation and three independent mutant alleles confirmed that UBL1, which encodes a putative RNA exonuclease belonging to the 2H phosphodiesterase superfamily, is responsible for the phenotype of ubl1. We demonstrated that UBL1 possess the RNA exonuclease activity in vitro and found that loss of UBL1 function in ubl1 causes decreased level and abnormal 3' end constitution of snRNA U6, resulting in splicing defect of mRNAs. Through the in vitro and in vivo studies replacing two histidines with alanines in the H-X-T/S-X (X is a hydrophobic residue) motifs we demonstrated that these two motifs are essential for the normal function of UBL1. We further showed that the function of UBL1 may be conserved across a wide phylogenetic distance as the heterologous expression of maize UBL1 could complement the Arabidopsis ubl1 mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankun Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences
| | - Junjie Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kaijian Fan
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Cheng He
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Center of Seed Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yunjun Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Dongtao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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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.
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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.
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Sangiorgio S, Carabelli L, Gabotti D, Manzotti PS, Persico M, Consonni G, Gavazzi G. A mutational approach for the detection of genetic factors affecting seed size in maize. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2016; 29:301-310. [PMID: 27858171 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-016-0294-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Genes influencing seed size. The designation emp (empty pericarp) refers to a group of defective kernel mutants that exhibit a drastic reduction in endosperm tissue production. They allow the isolation of genes controlling seed development and affecting seed size. Nine independently isolated emp mutants have been analyzed in this study and in all cases longitudinal sections of mature seeds revealed the absence of morphogenesis in the embryo proper, an observation that correlates with their failure to germinate. Complementation tests with the nine emp mutants, crossed inter se in all pairwise combinations, identified complementing and non-complementing pairs in the F1 progenies. Data were then validated in the F2/F3 generations. Mutant chromosomal location was also established. Overall our study has identified two novel emp genes and a novel allele at the previously identified emp4 gene. The introgression of single emp mutants in a different genetic background revealed the existence of a cryptic genetic variation (CGV) recognizable as a variable increase in the endosperm tissue. The unmasking of CGV by introducing single mutants in different genetic backgrounds is the result of the interaction of the emp mutants with a suppressor that has no obvious phenotype of its own and is present in the genetic background of the inbred lines into which the emp mutants were transferred. On the basis of these results, emp mutants could be used as tools for the detection of genetic factors that enhance the amount of endosperm tissue in the maize kernel and which could thus become valuable targets to exploit in future breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sangiorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Carabelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Damiano Gabotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Priscilla Sofia Manzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Persico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Consonni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gavazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
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37
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Genetic and epigenetic control of transfer cell development in plants. J Genet Genomics 2016; 43:533-539. [PMID: 27618166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The inter-cellular translocation of nutrients in plant is mediated by highly specialized transfer cells (TCs). TCs share similar functional and structural features across a wide range of plant species, including location at plant exchange surfaces, rich in secondary wall ingrowths, facilitation of nutrient flow, and passage of select molecules. The fate of endosperm TCs is determined in the TC fate acquisition stage (TCF), before the structure features are formed in the TC differentiation stage (TCD). At present, the molecular basis of TC development in plants remains largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the important roles of the signaling molecules in different development phases, such as sugars in TCF and phytohormones in TCD, and discuss the genetic and epigenetic factors, including TC-specific genes and endogenous plant peptides, and their crosstalk with these signaling molecules as a complex regulatory network in regulation of TC development in plants.
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38
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Sekhar S, Gharat SA, Panda BB, Mohaptra T, Das K, Kariali E, Mohapatra PK, Shaw BP. Identification and Characterization of Differentially Expressed Genes in Inferior and Superior Spikelets of Rice Cultivars with Contrasting Panicle-Compactness and Grain-Filling Properties. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145749. [PMID: 26710230 PMCID: PMC4692420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breeding programs for increasing spikelet number in rice have resulted in compactness of the panicle, accompanied by poor grain filling in inferior spikelets. Although the inefficient utilization of assimilate has been indicated as responsible for this poor grain filling, the underlying cause remains elusive. The current study utilized the suppression subtractive hybridization technique to identify 57 and 79 genes that overexpressed in the superior and inferior spikelets (with respect to each other), respectively, of the compact-panicle rice cultivar Mahalaxmi. Functional categorization of these differentially expressed genes revealed a marked metabolic difference between the spikelets according to their spatial location on the panicle. The expression of genes encoding seed storage proteins was dominant in inferior spikelets, whereas genes encoding regulatory proteins, such as serine-threonine kinase, zinc finger protein and E3 ligase, were highly expressed in superior spikelets. The expression patterns of these genes in the inferior and superior spikelets of Mahalaxmi were similar to those observed in another compact-panicle cultivar, OR-1918, but differed from those obtained in two lax-panicle cultivars, Upahar and Lalat. The results first suggest that the regulatory proteins abundantly expressed in the superior spikelets of compact-panicle cultivars and in both the superior and inferior spikelets of lax-panicle cultivars but poorly expressed in the inferior spikelets of compact-panicle cultivars promote grain filling. Second, the high expression of seed-storage proteins observed in the inferior spikelets of compact-panicle cultivars appears to inhibit the grain filling process. Third, the low expression of enzymes of the Krebs cycle in inferior spikelets compared with superior spikelets of compact-panicle cultivars is bound to lead to poor ATP generation in the former and consequently limit starch biosynthesis, an ATP-consuming process, resulting in poor grain filling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Sekhar
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sachin Ashruba Gharat
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Binay Bhushan Panda
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Trupti Mohaptra
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Kaushik Das
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ekamber Kariali
- School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
| | | | - Birendra Prasad Shaw
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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39
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Chettoor AM, Yi G, Gomez E, Hueros G, Meeley RB, Becraft PW. A putative plant organelle RNA recognition protein gene is essential for maize kernel development. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 57:236-46. [PMID: 24985738 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) cells are responsible for transferring apoplastic solutes from the maternal pedicel into the endosperm, supplying the grain with compounds required for embryo development and storage reserve accumulation. Here, we analyze the maize (Zea mays L.) empty pericarp6 (emp6) mutant, which causes early arrest in grain development. The Emp6+gene function is required independently in both the embryo and endosperm. The emp6 mutant causes a notable effect on the differentiation of BETL cells; the extensive cell wall ingrowths that distinguish BETL cells are diminished and BETL marker gene expression is compromised in mutant kernels. Transposon tagging identified the emp6 locus as encoding a putative plant organelle RNA recognition (PORR) protein, 1 of 15 PORR family members in maize. The emp6 transcript is widely detected in plant tissues with highest levels in embryos and developing kernels. EMP6-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves were targeted specifically to mitochondria. These results suggest that BETL cell differentiation might be particularly energy intensive, or alternatively, that mitochondria might confer a developmental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony M Chettoor
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
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40
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Zheng Y, Xiong F, Wang Z, Gu Y. Observation and investigation of three endosperm transport tissues in sorghum caryopses. PROTOPLASMA 2015; 252:705-714. [PMID: 25248759 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-014-0705-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm transport tissues in sorghum caryopses include endosperm transfer cells, endosperm conducting cells, and the embryo surrounding region. To elucidate the structural changes of these tissues and their relationship with the caryopsis development, sorghum caryopses were analyzed at different days after pollination using light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy. The following results were obtained: post-phloem maternal tissues included the placentochalaza and the nucellar projection-like nucellus. Well-developed endosperm transfer cells exhibited very evident flange-type wall ingrowths. Very few wall ingrowths were present in the initially developed endosperm transfer cells when the level of sucrose from the initially developed vascular system was low. At the middle stage of caryopsis development, the level of sucrose from the well-developed vascular system was high. Endosperm transfer cells increased in both area and layer amount, and their wall ingrowths increased in both length and density. Later in caryopsis development, the level of sucrose from the degenerated vascular system was low and wall ingrowths distorted in the degenerated endosperm transfer cells. Endosperm conducting cells primarily occupied the most part of endosperm, but decreased gradually because the upper part transformed into the starchy endosperm and the lower part degenerated to give space to the embryo growth. Although the embryo surrounding region initially enveloped the small embryo, it rapidly degenerated and finally disappeared. Our data showed that (1) the caryopsis vascular system influenced the differentiation of endosperm transfer cells by controlling the sugar levels (2) and configuration of endosperm transport tissues were probably altered to favor the growth of filial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Zheng
- College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
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41
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Vázquez-Gutiérrez JL, Langton M. Current potential and limitations of immunolabeling in cereal grain research. Trends Food Sci Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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42
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Jiang Y, Jiang Q, Hao C, Hou J, Wang L, Zhang H, Zhang S, Chen X, Zhang X. A yield-associated gene TaCWI, in wheat: its function, selection and evolution in global breeding revealed by haplotype analysis. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2015; 128:131-43. [PMID: 25367379 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-014-2417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Wheat anther-specific invertase genes were haplotyped in wheat. Strong allelic selection occurred during wheat polyploidization, domestication and breeding because of their association with yield traits. Plant invertase hydrolyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose. Cell wall invertase (CWI), one of the three types of invertase, is essential for plant development. Based on isolated TaCWI genes from chromosomes 4A, 5B and 5D, two SNPs were detected in the promoter region of TaCWI-4A, and four SNPs and two Indels were present in the TaCWI-5D gene. No polymorphism was detected in TaCWI-5B coding or promoter regions. CAPS markers caps4A and caps5D were developed to discriminate haplotypes of TaCWI-4A and TaCWI-5D. Marker/trait association analysis indicated that Hap-5D-C at TaCWI-5D was significantly associated with higher thousand kernel weight (TKW) in 348 Chinese modern cultivars grown in multiple environments. Geographic distributions and changes over time of favored haplotypes showed that Hap-5D-C was the most frequent haplotype in modern cultivars and was strongly positively selected in six major wheat production regions worldwide. However, selection for haplotypes at TaCWI-4A was not so evident, possibly due to balancing effects of the two haplotypes on TKW and grain number per spike (GN). In rainfed production regions, Hap-4A-C was favored because it brought more seeds, but in well irrigated conditions, Hap-4A-T was favored in modern breeding because of higher TKW. Evolutionary analysis among wheat and its relatives showed that genetic diversity of TaCWI genes on chromosomes 4A and 5D declined dramatically in progression from the diploid level to modern polyploid cultivars. There was strong allelic selection during polyploidization, domestication and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmiao Jiang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering for Plant Breeding, College of Agronomy, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China,
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43
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Radchuk V, Borisjuk L. Physical, metabolic and developmental functions of the seed coat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:510. [PMID: 25346737 PMCID: PMC4193196 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The conventional understanding of the role of the seed coat is that it provides a protective layer for the developing zygote. Recent data show that the picture is more nuanced. The seed coat certainly represents a first line of defense against adverse external factors, but it also acts as channel for transmitting environmental cues to the interior of the seed. The latter function primes the seed to adjust its metabolism in response to changes in its external environment. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of the structure and functionality of the seed coat, and to expose its hidden interaction with both the endosperm and embryo. Any breeding and/or biotechnology intervention seeking to increase seed size or modify seed features will have to consider the implications on this tripartite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ljudmilla Borisjuk
- Heterosis, Molecular Genetics, Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und KulturpflanzenforschungGatersleben, Germany
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Xiong Y, Mei W, Kim ED, Mukherjee K, Hassanein H, Barbazuk WB, Sung S, Kolaczkowski B, Kang BH. Adaptive expansion of the maize maternally expressed gene (Meg) family involves changes in expression patterns and protein secondary structures of its members. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2014; 14:204. [PMID: 25084677 PMCID: PMC4236715 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-014-0204-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Maternally expressed gene (Meg) family is a locally-duplicated gene family of maize which encodes cysteine-rich proteins (CRPs). The founding member of the family, Meg1, is required for normal development of the basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) and is involved in the allocation of maternal nutrients to growing seeds. Despite the important roles of Meg1 in maize seed development, the evolutionary history of the Meg cluster and the activities of the duplicate genes are not understood. RESULTS In maize, the Meg gene cluster resides in a 2.3 Mb-long genomic region that exhibits many features of non-centromeric heterochromatin. Using phylogenetic reconstruction and syntenic alignments, we identified the pedigree of the Meg family, in which 11 of its 13 members arose in maize after allotetraploidization ~4.8 mya. Phylogenetic and population-genetic analyses identified possible signatures suggesting recent positive selection in Meg homologs. Structural analyses of the Meg proteins indicated potentially adaptive changes in secondary structure from α-helix to β-strand during the expansion. Transcriptomic analysis of the maize endosperm indicated that 6 Meg genes are selectively activated in the BETL, and younger Meg genes are more active than older ones. In endosperms from B73 by Mo17 reciprocal crosses, most Meg genes did not display parent-specific expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS Recently-duplicated Meg genes have different protein secondary structures, and their expressions in the BETL dominate over those of older members. Together with the signs of positive selections in the young Meg genes, these results suggest that the expansion of the Meg family involves potentially adaptive transitions in which new members with novel functions prevailed over older members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Xiong
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | - Wenbin Mei
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | - Eun-Deok Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712, TX, USA
| | - Krishanu Mukherjee
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | - Hatem Hassanein
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | | | - Sibum Sung
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin 78712, TX, USA
| | - Bryan Kolaczkowski
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
| | - Byung-Ho Kang
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, USA
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Auxin and Cell Wall Invertase Related Signaling during Rice Grain Development. PLANTS 2014; 3:95-112. [PMID: 27135493 PMCID: PMC4844310 DOI: 10.3390/plants3010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis is required for grain-fill in maize and appears to be regulated by cell-wall invertase (CWIN) activity. OsYUC12 is one of three IAA biosynthesis genes we previously reported as expressed during early rice grain development, correlating with a large increase in IAA content of the grain. This work aimed to investigate further the role of OsYUC12 and its relationship to CWIN activity and invertase inhibitors (INVINH). The analysis shows a brief peak of OsYUC12 expression early in endosperm development. Meta-analysis of microarray data, confirmed by quantitative expression analysis, revealed that OsYUC12 is coexpressed with OsIAA29, which encodes an unusual AUX/IAA transcription factor previously reported as poorly expressed. Maximum expression of OsYUC12 and OsIAA29 coincided with maximum CWIN activity, but also with a peak in INVINH expression. Unlike ZmYUC1, OsYUC12 expression is not reduced in the rice CWIN mutant, gif1. Several reports have investigated CWIN expression in rice grains but none has reported on expression of INVINH in this species. We show that rice has 54 genes encoding putative invertase/pectin methylesterase inhibitors, seven of which are expressed exclusively during grain development. Our results suggest a more complex relationship between IAA, CWIN, and INVINH than previously proposed.
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Silva-Sanchez C, Chen S, Li J, Chourey PS. A comparative glycoproteome study of developing endosperm in the hexose-deficient miniature1 (mn1) seed mutant and its wild type Mn1 in maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:63. [PMID: 24616729 PMCID: PMC3935489 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In maize developing seeds, transfer cells are prominently located at the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL). As the first filial cell layer, BETL is a gateway to sugars, nutrients and water from mother plant; and anchor of numerous functions such as sucrose turnover, auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis/accumulation, energy metabolism, defense response, and signaling between maternal and filial generations. Previous studies showed that basal developing endosperms of miniature1 (mn1) mutant seeds lacking the Mn1-encoded cell wall invertase II, are also deficient for hexose. Given the role of glucose as one of the key sugars in protein glycosylation and proper protein folding; we performed a comparative large scale glycoproteome profiling of total proteins of these two genotypes (mn1 mutant vs. Mn1 wild type) using 2D gel electrophoresis and glycosylation/total protein staining, followed by image analysis. Protein identification was done by LC-MS/MS. A total of 413 spots were detected; from which, 113 spots matched between the two genotypes. Of these, 45 showed >20% decrease/increase in glycosylation level and were selected for protein identification. A large number of identified proteins showed decreased glycosylation levels in mn1 developing endosperms as compared to the Mn1. Functional classification of proteins, showed mainly of post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperone activities, carbohydrate and amino acid biosynthesis/transport, and cell wall biosynthesis. These proteins and activities were related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) as a result of the low glycolsylation levels of the mutant proteins. Overall, these results provide for the first time a global glycoproteome profile of maize BETL-enriched basal endosperm to better understand their role in seed development in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Silva-Sanchez
- Proteomics, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sixue Chen
- Proteomics, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Biology, UF Genetics Institute, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jinxi Li
- Proteomics, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Prem S. Chourey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary EntomologyGainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Agronomy, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Prem S. Chourey, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA e-mail:
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Lopato S, Borisjuk N, Langridge P, Hrmova M. Endosperm transfer cell-specific genes and proteins: structure, function and applications in biotechnology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:64. [PMID: 24578704 PMCID: PMC3936200 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm transfer cells (ETC) are one of four main types of cells in endosperm. A characteristic feature of ETC is the presence of cell wall in-growths that create an enlarged plasma membrane surface area. This specialized cell structure is important for the specific function of ETC, which is to transfer nutrients from maternal vascular tissue to endosperm. ETC-specific genes are of particular interest to plant biotechnologists, who use genetic engineering to improve grain quality and yield characteristics of important field crops. The success of molecular biology-based approaches to manipulating ETC function is dependent on a thorough understanding of the functions of ETC-specific genes and ETC-specific promoters. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing data on structure and function of ETC-specific genes and their products. Potential applications of ETC-specific genes, and in particular their promoters for biotechnology will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Lopato
- *Correspondence: Sergiy Lopato, Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia e-mail:
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Karahara I, Kang BH. High-pressure freezing and low-temperature processing of plant tissue samples for electron microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1080:147-57. [PMID: 24132426 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-643-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Use of electron tomography methods improves image resolution of transmission electron microscopy especially in the z-direction, enabling determination of complicated 3D structures of organelles and cytoskeleton arrays. The increase in resolution necessitates preservation of cellular structures close to the native states with minimum artifacts. High-pressure freezing (HPF) that immobilizes molecules in the cell instantaneously has been used to avoid damages caused by convention chemical fixation. Despite the advantages of HPF, cells could still be damaged during dissection prior to HPF. Therefore, it is critical to isolate cells/tissues of interest quickly and carefully. The samples frozen by HPF are often processed by freeze substitution (FS), and FS should be carried out under appropriate conditions. Here we describe dissection, HPF, and FS methods that we have utilized to prepare plant samples for electron tomography/immuno-electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichirou Karahara
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Locascio A, Roig-Villanova I, Bernardi J, Varotto S. Current perspectives on the hormonal control of seed development in Arabidopsis and maize: a focus on auxin. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:412. [PMID: 25202316 PMCID: PMC4142864 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The seed represents the unit of reproduction of flowering plants, capable of developing into another plant, and to ensure the survival of the species under unfavorable environmental conditions. It is composed of three compartments: seed coat, endosperm and embryo. Proper seed development depends on the coordination of the processes that lead to seed compartments differentiation, development and maturation. The coordination of these processes is based on the constant transmission/perception of signals by the three compartments. Phytohormones constitute one of these signals; gradients of hormones are generated in the different seed compartments, and their ratios comprise the signals that induce/inhibit particular processes in seed development. Among the hormones, auxin seems to exert a central role, as it is the only one in maintaining high levels of accumulation from fertilization to seed maturation. The gradient of auxin generated by its PIN carriers affects several processes of seed development, including pattern formation, cell division and expansion. Despite the high degree of conservation in the regulatory mechanisms that lead to seed development within the Spermatophytes, remarkable differences exist during seed maturation between Monocots and Eudicots species. For instance, in Monocots the endosperm persists until maturation, and constitutes an important compartment for nutrients storage, while in Eudicots it is reduced to a single cell layer, as the expanding embryo gradually replaces it during the maturation. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on hormonal control of seed development, by considering the data available in two model plants: Arabidopsis thaliana, for Eudicots and Zea mays L., for Monocots. We will emphasize the control exerted by auxin on the correct progress of seed development comparing, when possible, the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Locascio
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals Environment - University of PadovaPadova, Italy
- IBMCP-CSIC, Universidad Politécnica de ValenciaValencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Antonella Locascio, IBMCP-CSIC, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Avda de los Naranjos s/n, ed.8E, 46020 Valencia, Spain e-mail:
| | | | - Jamila Bernardi
- Istituto di Agronomia Genetica e Coltivazioni Erbacee, Università Cattolica del Sacro CuorePiacenza, Italy
| | - Serena Varotto
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals Environment - University of PadovaPadova, Italy
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Tuncel A, Okita TW. Improving starch yield in cereals by over-expression of ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase: expectations and unanticipated outcomes. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 211:52-60. [PMID: 23987811 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Significant improvements in crop productivity are required to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing world population. This challenge is magnified by an increased demand for bioenergy as a means to mitigate carbon inputs into the environment. Starch is a major component of the harvestable organs of many crop plants, and various endeavors have been taken to improve the yields of starchy organs through the manipulation of starch synthesis. Substantial efforts have centered on the starch regulatory enzyme ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) due to its pivotal role in starch biosynthesis. These efforts include over-expression of this enzyme in cereal plants such as maize, rice and wheat as well as potato and cassava, as they supply the bulk of the staple food worldwide. In this perspective, we describe efforts to increase starch yields in cereal grains by first providing an introduction about the importance of source-sink relationship and the motives behind the efforts to alter starch biosynthesis and turnover in leaves. We then discuss the catalytic and regulatory properties of AGPase and the molecular approaches used to enhance starch synthesis by manipulation of this process during grain filling using seed-specific promoters. Several studies have demonstrated increases in starch content per seed using endosperm-specific promoters, but other studies have demonstrated an increase in seed number with only marginal impact on seed weight. Potential mechanisms that may be responsible for this paradoxical increase in seed number will also be discussed. Finally, we describe current efforts and future prospects to improve starch yield in cereals. These efforts include further enhancement of starch yield in rice by augmenting the process of ADPglucose transport into amyloplast as well as other enzymes involved in photoassimilate partitioning in seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aytug Tuncel
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6340, United States
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