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Song T, Huo Q, Li C, Wang Q, Cheng L, Qi W, Ma Z, Song R. The biosynthesis of storage reserves and auxin is coordinated by a hierarchical regulatory network in maize endosperm. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:1855-1869. [PMID: 38962989 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19949] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Grain filling in maize (Zea mays) is intricately linked to cell development, involving the regulation of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of storage reserves (starch, proteins, and lipids) and phytohormones. However, the regulatory network coordinating these biological functions remains unclear. In this study, we identified 1744 high-confidence target genes co-regulated by the transcription factors (TFs) ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 (ZmNAC128/130) through chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing coupled with RNA-seq analysis in the zmnac128/130 loss-of-function mutants. We further constructed a hierarchical regulatory network using DNA affinity purification sequencing analysis of downstream TFs regulated by ZmNAC128/130. In addition to target genes involved in the biosynthesis of starch and zeins, we discovered novel target genes of ZmNAC128/130 involved in the biosynthesis of lipids and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Consistently, the number of oil bodies, as well as the contents of triacylglycerol, and IAA were significantly reduced in zmnac128/130. The hierarchical regulatory network centered by ZmNAC128/130 revealed a significant overlap between the direct target genes of ZmNAC128/130 and their downstream TFs, particularly in regulating the biosynthesis of storage reserves and IAA. Our results indicated that the biosynthesis of storage reserves and IAA is coordinated by a multi-TFs hierarchical regulatory network in maize endosperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Song
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiang Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chaobin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lijun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, Plant Science Center, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Zeyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Rentao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Shi H, Yun P, Zhu Y, Wang L, Wang Y, Li P, Zhou H, Cheng S, Liu R, Gao G, Zhang Q, Xiao J, Li Y, Xiong L, You A, He Y. Natural variation of WBR7 confers rice high yield and quality by modulating sucrose supply in sink organs. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38943653 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Grain chalkiness is an undesirable trait that negatively regulates grain yield and quality in rice. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying chalkiness is complex and remains unclear. We identified a positive regulator of white-belly rate (WBR). The WBR7 gene encodes sucrose synthase 3 (SUS3). A weak functional allele of WBR7 is beneficial in increasing grain yield and quality. During the domestication of indica rice, a functional G/A variation in the coding region of WBR7 resulted in an E541K amino acid substitution in the GT-4 glycosyltransferase domain, leading to a significant decrease in decomposition activity of WBR7A (allele in cultivar Jin23B) compared with WBR7G (allele in cultivar Beilu130). The NIL(J23B) and knockout line NIL(BL130)KO exhibited lower WBR7 decomposition activity than that of NIL(BL130) and NIL(J23B)COM, resulting in less sucrose decomposition and metabolism in the conducting organs. This caused more sucrose transportation to the endosperm, enhancing the synthesis of storage components in the endosperm and leading to decreased WBR. More sucrose was also transported to the anthers, providing sufficient substrate and energy supply for pollen maturation and germination, ultimately leading to an increase rate of seed setting and increased grain yield. Our findings elucidate a mechanism for enhancing rice yield and quality by modulating sucrose metabolism and allocation, and provides a valuable allele for improved rice quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Shi
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Yun
- Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yipei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingbo Li
- Institute of Wetland Agriculture and Ecology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyuan Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjia Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guanjun Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglu Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinghua Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yibo Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lizhong Xiong
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Aiqing You
- Institute of Food Crop, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing He
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Peng D, Pan S, Du X, Chen E, He J, Zhang Z. Central Roles of ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 in Nutrient Uptake and Storage during Maize Grain Filling. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:663. [PMID: 38927600 PMCID: PMC11203180 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Grain filling is critical for determining yield and quality, raising the question of whether central coordinators exist to facilitate the uptake and storage of various substances from maternal to filial tissues. The duplicate NAC transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 could potentially serve as central coordinators. By analyzing differentially expressed genes from zmnac128 zmnac130 mutants across different genetic backgrounds and growing years, we identified 243 highly and differentially expressed genes (hdEGs) as the core target genes. These 243 hdEGs were associated with storage metabolism and transporters. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 play vital roles in storage metabolism, and this study revealed two additional starch metabolism-related genes, sugary enhancer1 and hexokinase1, as their direct targets. A key finding of this study was the inclusion of 17 transporter genes within the 243 hdEGs, with significant alterations in the levels of more than 10 elements/substances in mutant kernels. Among them, six out of the nine upregulated transporter genes were linked to the transport of heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs), which was consistent with the enrichment of cadmium, lead, and arsenic observed in mutant kernels. Interestingly, the levels of Mg and Zn, minerals important to biofortification efforts, were reduced in mutant kernels. In addition to their direct involvement in sugar transport, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 also activate the expression of the endosperm-preferential nitrogen and phosphate transporters ZmNPF1.1 and ZmPHO1;2. This coordinated regulation limits the intake of HMMs, enhances biofortification, and facilitates the uptake and storage of essential nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Shuxing Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Xin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Erwang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
| | - Junjun He
- South Subtropical Crop Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, Zhanjiang 524091, China;
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; (D.P.); (S.P.); (X.D.); (E.C.)
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Yang T, Huang Y, Liao L, Wang S, Zhang H, Pan J, Huang Y, Li X, Chen D, Liu T, Lu X, Wu Y. Sucrose-associated SnRK1a1-mediated phosphorylation of Opaque2 modulates endosperm filling in maize. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:788-806. [PMID: 38615195 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.04.004] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
During maize endosperm filling, sucrose not only serves as a source of carbon skeletons for storage-reserve synthesis but also acts as a stimulus to promote this process. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sucrose and endosperm filling are poorly understood. In this study, we found that sucrose promotes the expression of endosperm-filling hub gene Opaque2 (O2), coordinating with storage-reserve accumulation. We showed that the protein kinase SnRK1a1 can attenuate O2-mediated transactivation, but sucrose can release this suppression. Biochemical assays revealed that SnRK1a1 phosphorylates O2 at serine 41 (S41), negatively affecting its protein stability and transactivation ability. We observed that mutation of SnRK1a1 results in larger seeds with increased kernel weight and storage reserves, while overexpression of SnRK1a1 causes the opposite effect. Overexpression of the native O2 (O2-OE), phospho-dead (O2-SA), and phospho-mimetic (O2-SD) variants all increased 100-kernel weight. Although O2-SA seeds exhibit smaller kernel size, they have higher accumulation of starch and proteins, resulting in larger vitreous endosperm and increased test weight. O2-SD seeds display larger kernel size but unchanged levels of storage reserves and test weight. O2-OE seeds show elevated kernel dimensions and nutrient storage, like a mixture of O2-SA and O2-SD seeds. Collectively, our study discovers a novel regulatory mechanism of maize endosperm filling. Identification of S41 as a SnRK1-mediated phosphorylation site in O2 offers a potential engineering target for enhancing storage-reserve accumulation and yield in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yunqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Longyu Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongcai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoduo Lu
- Institute of Molecular Breeding for Maize, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Ndlovu N, Kachapur RM, Beyene Y, Das B, Ogugo V, Makumbi D, Spillane C, McKeown PC, Prasanna BM, Gowda M. Linkage mapping and genomic prediction of grain quality traits in tropical maize ( Zea mays L.). Front Genet 2024; 15:1353289. [PMID: 38456017 PMCID: PMC10918846 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1353289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The suboptimal productivity of maize systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a pressing issue, with far-reaching implications for food security, nutrition, and livelihood sustainability within the affected smallholder farming communities. Dissecting the genetic basis of grain protein, starch and oil content can increase our understanding of the governing genetic systems, improve the efficacy of future breeding schemes and optimize the end-use quality of tropical maize. Here, four bi-parental maize populations were evaluated in field trials in Kenya and genotyped with mid-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genotypic (G), environmental (E) and G×E variations were found to be significant for all grain quality traits. Broad sense heritabilities exhibited substantial variation (0.18-0.68). Linkage mapping identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the studied grain quality traits: 13, 7, 33, 8 and 2 QTLs for oil content, protein content, starch content, grain texture and kernel weight, respectively. The co-localization of QTLs identified in our research suggests the presence of shared genetic factors or pleiotropic effects, implying that specific genomic regions influence the expression of multiple grain quality traits simultaneously. Genomic prediction accuracies were moderate to high for the studied traits. Our findings highlight the polygenic nature of grain quality traits and demonstrate the potential of genomic selection to enhance genetic gains in maize breeding. Furthermore, the identified genomic regions and single nucleotide polymorphism markers can serve as the groundwork for investigating candidate genes that regulate grain quality traits in tropical maize. This, in turn, can facilitate the implementation of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs focused on improving grain nutrient levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Ndlovu
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rajashekar M. Kachapur
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
| | - Yoseph Beyene
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Biswanath Das
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Veronica Ogugo
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dan Makumbi
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Spillane
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter C. McKeown
- Agriculture and Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Manje Gowda
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya
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Xie H, Yin W, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Qin H, Huang Z, Zhao M, Li J. Increased DNA methylation of the splicing regulator SR45 suppresses seed abortion in litchi. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:868-882. [PMID: 37891009 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The gene regulatory networks that govern seed development are complex, yet very little is known about the genes and processes that are controlled by DNA methylation. Here, we performed single-base resolution DNA methylome analysis and found that CHH methylation increased significantly throughout seed development in litchi. Based on the association analysis of differentially methylated regions and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 46 genes were identified as essential DNA methylation-regulated candidate genes involved in litchi seed development, including LcSR45, a homolog of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) splicing regulator SR45. LcSR45 is predominately expressed in the funicle, embryo, and seed integument, and displayed increased CHH methylation in the promoter during seed development. Notably, silencing of LcSR45 in a seed-aborted litchi cultivar significantly improved normal seed development, whereas the ectopic expression of LcSR45 in Arabidopsis caused seed abortion. Furthermore, LcSR45-dependent alternative splicing events were found to regulate genes involved in seed development. Together, our findings demonstrate that LcSR45 is hypermethylated, and plays a detrimental role in litchi seed development, indicating a global increase in DNA methylation at this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Xie
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wenya Yin
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yedan Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yanshan Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Hongming Qin
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhiqiang Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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Mehta BK, Chauhan HS, Basu S, Anand A, Baveja A, Zunjare RU, Muthusamy V, Singh AK, Hossain F. Mutant crtRB1 gene negates the unfavourable effects of opaque2 gene on germination and seed vigour among shrunken2-based biofortified sweet corn genotypes. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2024; 51:FP23179. [PMID: 38326234 DOI: 10.1071/fp23179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Sweet corn is one of the most popular vegetables worldwide. However, traditional shrunken2 (sh2 )-based sweet corn varieties are poor in nutritional quality. Here, we analysed the effect of (1) β-carotene hydroxylase1 (crtRB1 ), (2) opaque2 (o2 ) and (3) o2+crtRB1 genes on nutritional quality, germination, seed vigour and physico-biochemical traits in a set of 27 biofortified sh2 -based sweet corn inbreds. The biofortified sweet corn inbreds recorded significantly higher concentrations of proA (16.47μg g-1 ), lysine (0.36%) and tryptophan (0.09%) over original inbreds (proA: 3.14μg g-1 , lysine: 0.18%, tryptophan: 0.04%). The crtRB1 -based inbreds had the lowest electrical conductivity (EC), whereas o2 -based inbreds possessed the highest EC. The o2 +crtRB1 -based inbreds showed similar EC to the original inbreds. Interestingly, o2 -based inbreds also had the lowest germination and seed vigour compared to original inbreds, whereas crtRB1 and o2 +crtRB1 introgressed sweet corn inbreds showed similar germination and seed vigour traits to their original versions. This suggested that the negative effect of o2 on germination, seed vigour and EC is nullified by crtRB1 in the double mutant sweet corn. Overall, o2 +crtRB1 -based sweet corn inbreds were found the most desirable over crtRB1 - and o2 -based inbreds alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh K Mehta
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India; and Present address: ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284003, India
| | - Hema S Chauhan
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Sudipta Basu
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Anjali Anand
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Aanchal Baveja
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | | | - Vignesh Muthusamy
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Ashok K Singh
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Firoz Hossain
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
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8
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Zhu J, Li S, Jiang H, Lv D, Ma S, Wang B, Lu X, Yang W, Chen R, Zhou X. Protoplast transient expression-based RNA-sequencing: A simple method to screen transcriptional regulation in plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:408-411. [PMID: 37706557 PMCID: PMC10756751 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Protoplast transient expression-based RNA-sequencing identifies Opaque2 targets supported by molecular evidence and expression quantitative trait loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiameng Zhu
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Suzhen Li
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Di Lv
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Crop Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Baobao Wang
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiangyu Lu
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wenzhu Yang
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Rumei Chen
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhou
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
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9
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Wu H, Galli M, Spears CJ, Zhan J, Liu P, Yadegari R, Dannenhoffer JM, Gallavotti A, Becraft PW. NAKED ENDOSPERM1, NAKED ENDOSPERM2, and OPAQUE2 interact to regulate gene networks in maize endosperm development. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 36:19-39. [PMID: 37795691 PMCID: PMC10734603 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
NAKED ENDOSPERM1 (NKD1), NKD2, and OPAQUE2 (O2) are transcription factors important for cell patterning and nutrient storage in maize (Zea mays) endosperm. To study the complex regulatory interrelationships among these 3 factors in coregulating gene networks, we developed a set of nkd1, nkd2, and o2 homozygous lines, including all combinations of mutant and wild-type genes. Among the 8 genotypes tested, we observed diverse phenotypes and gene interactions affecting cell patterning, starch content, and storage proteins. From ∼8 to ∼16 d after pollination, maize endosperm undergoes a transition from cellular development to nutrient accumulation for grain filling. Gene network analysis showed that NKD1, NKD2, and O2 dynamically regulate a hierarchical gene network during this period, directing cellular development early and then transitioning to constrain cellular development while promoting the biosynthesis and storage of starch, proteins, and lipids. Genetic interactions regulating this network are also dynamic. The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) showed that O2 influences the global regulatory landscape, decreasing NKD1 and NKD2 target site accessibility, while NKD1 and NKD2 increase O2 target site accessibility. In summary, interactions of NKD1, NKD2, and O2 dynamically affect the hierarchical gene network and regulatory landscape during the transition from cellular development to grain filling in maize endosperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mary Galli
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901-8520, USA
| | - Carla J Spears
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Junpeng Zhan
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Ramin Yadegari
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | - Andrea Gallavotti
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08901-8520, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Philip W Becraft
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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10
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Shen L, Liu Y, Zhang L, Sun Z, Wang Z, Jiao Y, Shen K, Guo Z. A transcriptional atlas identifies key regulators and networks for the development of spike tissues in barley. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113441. [PMID: 37971941 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Grain number and size determine grain yield in crops and are closely associated with spikelet fertility and grain filling in barley (Hordeum vulgare). Abortion of spikelet primordia within individual barley spikes causes a 30%-50% loss in the potential number of grains during development from the awn primordium stage to the tipping stage, after that grain filling is the primary factor regulating grain size. To identify transcriptional signatures associated with spike development, we use a six-rowed barley cultivar (Morex) to develop a spatiotemporal transcriptome atlas containing 255 samples covering 17 stages and 5 positions along the spike. We identify several fundamental regulatory networks, in addition to key regulators of spike development and morphology. Specifically, we show HvGELP96, encoding a GDSL domain-containing protein, as a regulator of spikelet fertility and grain number. Our transcriptional atlas offers a powerful resource to answer fundamental questions in spikelet development and degeneration in barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Shen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Zhiwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ziying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuannian Jiao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Kuocheng Shen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zifeng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China.
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11
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Liu Y, Xi W, Wang X, Li H, Liu H, Li T, Hou J, Liu X, Hao C, Zhang X. TabHLH95-TaNF-YB1 module promotes grain starch synthesis in bread wheat. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:883-894. [PMID: 37062449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Starch is the most abundant substance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) endosperm and provides the major carbohydrate energy for human daily life. Starch synthesis-related (SSR) genes are believed to be spatiotemporally specific, but their transcriptional regulation remains unclear in wheat. Here, we investigate the role of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor TabHLH95 in starch synthesis. TabHLH95 is preferentially expressed in the developing grains in wheat and encodes a nucleus localized protein without autoactivation activity. The Tabhlh95 knockout mutants display smaller grain size and less starch content than wild type, whereas overexpression of TabHLH95 enhances starch accumulation and significantly improves thousand grain weight. Transcriptome analysis reveals that the expression of multiple SSR genes is significantly reduced in the Tabhlh95 mutants. TabHLH95 binds to the promoters of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit 1 (AGPL1-1D/-1B), AGPL2-5D, and isoamylase (ISA1-7D) and enhances their transcription. Intriguingly, TabHLH95 interacts with the nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) family transcription factor TaNF-YB1, thereby synergistically regulating starch synthesis. These results suggest that the TabHLH95-TaNF-YB1 complex positively modulates starch synthesis and grain weight by regulating the expression of a subset of SSR genes, thus providing a good potential approach for genetic improvement of grain productivity in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wei Xi
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science (Gansu Agricultural University)/Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement & Germplasm Enhancement, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Chenyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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12
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Chen E, Yu H, He J, Peng D, Zhu P, Pan S, Wu X, Wang J, Ji C, Chao Z, Xu Z, Wu Y, Chao D, Wu Y, Zhang Z. The transcription factors ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 coordinate with Opaque2 to promote endosperm filling in maize. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:4066-4090. [PMID: 37542515 PMCID: PMC10615213 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm filling in maize (Zea mays), which involves nutrient uptake and biosynthesis of storage reserves, largely determines grain yield and quality. However, much remains unclear about the synchronization of these processes. Here, we comprehensively investigated the functions of duplicate NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2 (NAC)-type transcription factors, namely, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130, in endosperm filling. The gene-edited double mutant zmnac128 zmnac130 exhibits a poorly filled kernel phenotype such that the kernels have an inner cavity. RNA sequencing and protein abundance analysis revealed that the expression of many genes involved in the biosynthesis of zein and starch is reduced in the filling endosperm of zmnac128 zmnac130. Further, DNA affinity purification and sequencing combined with chromatin-immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR and promoter transactivation assays demonstrated that ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 are direct regulators of 3 (16-, 27-, and 50-kD) γ-zein genes and 6 important starch metabolism genes (Brittle2 [Bt2], pullulanase-type starch debranching enzyme [Zpu1], granule-bound starch synthase 1 [GBSS1], starch synthase 1 [SS1], starch synthase IIa [SSIIa], and sucrose synthase 1 [Sus1]). ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 recognize an additional cis-element in the Opaque2 (O2) promoter to regulate its expression. The triple mutant zmnac128 zmnac130 o2 exhibits extremely poor endosperm filling, which results in more than 70% of kernel weight loss. ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 regulate the expression of the transporter genes sugars that will eventually be exported transporter 4c (ZmSWEET4c), sucrose and glucose carrier 1 (ZmSUGCAR1), and yellow stripe-like2 (ZmYSL2) and in turn facilitate nutrient uptake, while O2 plays a supporting role. In conclusion, ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 cooperate with O2 to facilitate endosperm filling, which involves nutrient uptake in the basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) and the synthesis of zeins and starch in the starchy endosperm (SE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Huiqin Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Juan He
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Di Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Panpan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Shuxing Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Xu Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Jincang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
| | - Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhenfei Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhuopin Xu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031,China
| | - Yuejin Wu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031,China
| | - Daiyin Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032,China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027,China
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13
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Chen Q, Guo Y, Zhang J, Zheng N, Wang J, Liu Y, Lu J, Zhen S, Du X, Li L, Fu J, Wang G, Gu R, Wang J, Liu Y. RNA polymerase common subunit ZmRPABC5b is transcriptionally activated by Opaque2 and essential for endosperm development in maize. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7832-7850. [PMID: 37403778 PMCID: PMC10450181 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) kernel size is an important factor determining grain yield; although numerous genes regulate kernel development, the roles of RNA polymerases in this process are largely unclear. Here, we characterized the defective kernel 701 (dek701) mutant that displays delayed endosperm development but normal vegetative growth and flowering transition, compared to its wild type. We cloned Dek701, which encoded ZmRPABC5b, a common subunit to RNA polymerases I, II and III. Loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 impaired the function of all three RNA polymerases and altered the transcription of genes related to RNA biosynthesis, phytohormone response and starch accumulation. Consistent with this observation, loss-of-function mutation of Dek701 affected cell proliferation and phytohormone homeostasis in maize endosperm. Dek701 was transcriptionally regulated in the endosperm by the transcription factor Opaque2 through binding to the GCN4 motif within the Dek701 promoter, which was subjected to strong artificial selection during maize domestication. Further investigation revealed that DEK701 interacts with the other common RNA polymerase subunit ZmRPABC2. The results of this study provide substantial insight into the Opaque2-ZmRPABC5b transcriptional regulatory network as a central hub for regulating endosperm development in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanquan Chen
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yingmei Guo
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nannan Zheng
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiawen Lu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sihan Zhen
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuemei Du
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Li
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjie Fu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Riliang Gu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Beijing Innovation Center for Crop Seed Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding; Center for Seed Science and Technology, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunjun Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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14
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Jiang Z, Zhang H, Gao S, Zhai H, He S, Zhao N, Liu Q. Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Sucrose Synthase Gene Family in Sweet Potato and Its Two Diploid Relatives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12493. [PMID: 37569874 PMCID: PMC10420203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sucrose synthases (SUS; EC 2.4.1.13) encoded by a small multigene family are the central system of sucrose metabolism and have important implications for carbon allocation and energy conservation in nonphotosynthetic cells of plants. Though the SUS family genes (SUSs) have been identified in several plants, they have not been explored in sweet potato. In this research, nine, seven and seven SUSs were identified in the cultivated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas, 2n = 6x = 90) as well as its two diploid wild relatives I. trifida (2n = 2x = 30) and I. triloba (2n = 2x = 30), respectively, and divided into three subgroups according to their phylogenetic relationships. Their protein physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, promoter cis-elements, protein interaction network and expression patterns were systematically analyzed. The results indicated that the SUS gene family underwent segmental and tandem duplications during its evolution. The SUSs were highly expressed in sink organs. The IbSUSs especially IbSUS2, IbSUS5 and IbSUS7 might play vital roles in storage root development and starch biosynthesis. The SUSs could also respond to drought and salt stress responses and take part in hormone crosstalk. This work provides new insights for further understanding the functions of SUSs and candidate genes for improving yield, starch content, and abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potatoes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qingchang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Sweetpotato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.J.); (H.Z.); (S.G.); (H.Z.); (S.H.); (N.Z.)
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15
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Li C, Wan Y, Shang X, Fang S. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis unveils the response mechanism of sugar metabolism in Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings subjected to PEG-induced drought stress. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 201:107856. [PMID: 37354727 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja is a multiple function tree species used for functional food and valued timber production. Carbohydrates, especially water-soluble carbohydrates, play an important role in osmotic protection, signal transduction and carbon storage. Under the circumstance of global climate change the abiotic stress would restrict the development of C. paliurus plantation, whereas there is few knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms of sugar metabolism under drought stress in C. paliurus. To investigate the drought response of C. paliurus at molecular level, we conducted an integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic of C. paliurus at three PEG-induced drought stress levels (0%: control; 15%: moderate drought; 25%: severe drought) in short term. Both moderate and severe drought treatments activated the chemical defense with lowering relative water content, and enhancing the contents of soluble protein, proline and malondialdehyde in the leaves. Meanwhile, alterations in the expression of differentially expressed genes and carbohydrate metabolism profiles were observed among the treatments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed 3 key modules, 8 structural genes (such as genes encoding beta-fructofuranosidase (INV), sucrose synthase (SUS), raffinose synthase (RS)) and 14 regulatory transcription factors were closely linked to sugar metabolism. Our results provided the foundation to understand the response mechanism of sugar metabolism in C. paliurus under drought stress, and would drive progress in breeding of drought-tolerant varieties and plantation development of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Li
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifeng Wan
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xulan Shang
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China; Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengzuo Fang
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China; Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China.
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16
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Chen L, Li Q, Wang M, Xiao F, Li K, Yang R, Sun M, Zhang H, Guo J, Chen J, Jiao F. ZmCOP1 Regulates Maize Mesocotyl Length and Plant Height through the Phytohormone Pathways. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1522. [PMID: 37511897 PMCID: PMC10381158 DOI: 10.3390/life13071522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of crops is critical to their yield performance. COP1 (constitutively photomorphogenic1) is one of the core regulators in plant morphogenesis and has been deeply studied in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the function of COP1 in maize is still unclear. Here, we found that the mesocotyl lengths of zmcop1 loss-of-function mutants were shorter than those of wild-type B73 in darkness, while the mesocotyl lengths of lines with ZmCOP1 overexpression were longer than those of wild-type B104. The plant height with zmcop1 was shorter than that of B73 in both short- and long-day photoperiods. Using transcriptome RNA sequencing technology, we identified 33 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) between B73's etiolated seedlings and those featuring zmcop1, both in darkness. The DEGs were mainly enriched in the plant phytohormone pathways. Our results provide direct evidence that ZmCOP1 functions in the elongation of etiolated seedlings in darkness and affects plant height in light. Our data can be applied in the improvement of maize plant architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Qiuhua Li
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ming Wang
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Feng Xiao
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Kangshi Li
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ran Yang
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Meng Sun
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Jinjie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Sub-Center for National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Jingtang Chen
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Fuchao Jiao
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- The Characteristic Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Application, Provincial Department of Education, College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
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17
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Fang H, Shi Y, Liu S, Jin R, Sun J, Grierson D, Li S, Chen K. The transcription factor CitZAT5 modifies sugar accumulation and hexose proportion in citrus fruit. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:1858-1876. [PMID: 36911987 PMCID: PMC10315291 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sugars are fundamental to plant developmental processes. For fruits, the accumulation and proportion of sugars play crucial roles in the development of quality and attractiveness. In citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco.), we found that the difference in sweetness between mature fruits of "Gongchuan" and its bud sport "Youliang" is related to hexose contents. Expression of a SuS (sucrose synthase) gene CitSUS5 and a SWEET (sugars will eventually be exported transporter) gene CitSWEET6, characterized by transcriptome analysis at different developmental stages of these 2 varieties, revealed higher expression levels in "Youliang" fruit. The roles of CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6 were investigated by enzyme activity and transient assays. CitSUS5 promoted the cleavage of sucrose to hexoses, and CitSWEET6 was identified as a fructose transporter. Further investigation identified the transcription factor CitZAT5 (ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA) that contributes to sucrose metabolism and fructose transportation by positively regulating CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6. The role of CitZAT5 in fruit sugar accumulation and hexose proportion was investigated by homologous transient CitZAT5 overexpression, -VIGS, and -RNAi. CitZAT5 modulates the hexose proportion in citrus by mediating CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6 expression, and the molecular mechanism explained the differences in sugar composition of "Youliang" and "Gongchuan" fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heting Fang
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yanna Shi
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- The State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Shengchao Liu
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Rong Jin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- Department of Horticulture and Agricultural Experiment Station, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jun Sun
- Zhejiang Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Donald Grierson
- Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Shaojia Li
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- The State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Kunsong Chen
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Integrative Biology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
- The State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
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18
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Li P, Ma H, Xiao N, Zhang Y, Xu T, Xia T. Overexpression of the ZmSUS1 gene alters the content and composition of endosperm starch in maize (Zea mays L.). PLANTA 2023; 257:97. [PMID: 37052727 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04133-z] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ZmSUS1 increases the amylose content of maize by regulating the expression of Shrunken2 (Sh2) and Brittle2 (Bt2) which encode the size subunits of endosperm ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, and Granule bound starchsynthase1 (GBSS1) and Starch synthase1 (SS1). Cereal crops accumulate starch in seeds as an energy reserve. Sucrose Synthase (SuSy) plays an important role in grain starch synthesis. In this study, ZmSUS1 was transformed into maize inbred line KN5585, and transgenic plants were obtained. Compared with the non-transgenic negative control, the content and activity of SuSy were significantly increased, the amylose content in mature seeds of transgenic maize increased by 41.1-69.2%, the total starch content increased by 5.0-13.5%, the 100-grain weight increased by 19.0-26.2% and the average diameter of starch granules increased by 10.8-17.2%. These results indicated that overexpression of ZmSUS1 can significantly improve the traits of maize seeds and obtain new lines with high amylose content. It was also found that the overexpression of ZmSUS1 may increase the amylose content by altering the expression of endosperm ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) subunits Shrunken2 (Sh2) and Brittle2 (Bt2). Moreover, the ectopic expression of ZmSUS1 also affected the expression of Granule bound starch synthase1 (GBSS1) and Starch synthase1 (SS1) which encode starch synthase. This study proved the important role of ZmSUS1 in maize starch synthesis and provided a new technology strategy for improving maize starch content and yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haizhen Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Jinan, People's Republic of China
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
- School of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Xu J, Yang Z, Fei X, Zhang M, Cui Y, Zhang X, Tan K, E L, Zhao H, Lai J, Zhao Q, Song W. HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90.6 interacts with carbon and nitrogen metabolism components during seed development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 191:2316-2333. [PMID: 36652388 PMCID: PMC10069904 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Carbon and nitrogen are the two main nutrients in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels, and kernel filling and metabolism determine seed formation and germination. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between kernel filling and corresponding carbon and nitrogen metabolism remain largely unknown. Here, we found that HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90.6 (HSP90.6) is involved in both seed filling and the metabolism processes of carbon and nitrogen. A single-amino acid mutation within the HATPase_c domain of HSP90.6 led to small kernels. Transcriptome profiling showed that the expression of amino acid biosynthesis- and carbon metabolism-related genes was significantly downregulated in the hsp90.6 mutant. Further molecular evidence showed strong interactions between HSP90.6 and the 26S proteasome subunits REGULATORY PARTICLE NON-ATPASE6 (RPN6) and PROTEASOME BETA SUBUNITD2 (PBD2). The mutation of hsp90.6 significantly reduced the activity of the 26S proteasome, resulting in the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and defects in nitrogen recycling. Moreover, we verified that HSP90.6 is involved in carbon metabolism through interacting with the 14-3-3 protein GENERAL REGULATORY FACTOR14-4 (GF14-4). Collectively, our findings revealed that HSP90.6 is involved in seed filling and development by interacting with the components controlling carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - 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, China
| | - Xiangbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kaiwen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lizhu E
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry and National Maize Improvement Center, Department of Plant Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, 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, 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, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Author for correspondence: (W.S.), (Q.Z.)
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20
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Large-scale metabolome analysis reveals dynamic changes of metabolites during foxtail millet grain filling. Food Res Int 2023; 165:112516. [PMID: 36869517 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Compared with traditional staple crops, foxtail millet grain is rich in nutrition and beneficial to human health. Foxtail millet is also tolerance to various abiotic stresses, including drought, making it a good plant for growing in barren land. The study on the composition of metabolites and its dynamics changes during grain development is helpful to understand the process of foxtail millet grain formation. In our study, metabolic and transcriptional analysis were used to uncover the metabolic processes that could influence grain filling in foxtail millet. A total of 2104 known metabolites, belonging to 14 categories, were identified during grain filling. Functional analysis of DAMs and DEGs revealed a stage-specific metabolic properties in foxtail millet grain filling. Some important metabolic processes, such as flavonoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis were co-mapped for DEGs and DAMs. Thus, we constructed a gene-metabolite regulatory network of these metabolic pathways to explain their potential functions during grain filling. Our study showed the important metabolic processes during grain filling and focused on the dynamic changes of related metabolites and genes at different stages, which provided a reference for us to better understand and improve foxtail millet grain development and yield.
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21
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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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22
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Chao Z, Chen Y, Ji C, Wang Y, Huang X, Zhang C, Yang J, Song T, Wu J, Guo L, Liu C, Han M, Wu Y, Yan J, Chao D. A genome-wide association study identifies a transporter for zinc uploading to maize kernels. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55542. [PMID: 36394374 PMCID: PMC9827554 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zn content in cereal seeds is an important trait for crop production as well as for human health. However, little is known about how Zn is loaded to plant seeds. Here, through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identify the Zn-NA (nicotianamine) transporter gene ZmYSL2 that is responsible for loading Zn to maize kernels. High promoter sequence variation in ZmYSL2 most likely drives the natural variation in Zn concentrations in maize kernels. ZmYSL2 is specifically localized on the plasma membrane facing the maternal tissue of the basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) and functions in loading Zn-NA into the BETL. Overexpression of ZmYSL2 increases the Zn concentration in the kernels by 31.6%, which achieves the goal of Zn biofortification of maize. These findings resolve the mystery underlying the loading of Zn into plant seeds, providing an efficient strategy for breeding or engineering maize varieties with enriched Zn nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen‐Fei Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yuan‐Yuan Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ya‐Ling Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Xing Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chu‐Ying Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- School of Life Science, Henan UniversityKaifengChina
| | - Jun Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance, School of Life ScienceAnhui Agricultural UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Tao Song
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jia‐Chen Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Liang‐Xing Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chu‐Bin Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei‐Ling Han
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yong‐Rui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Dai‐Yin Chao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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23
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Yang T, Wu X, Wang W, Wu Y. Regulation of seed storage protein synthesis in monocot and dicot plants: A comparative review. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:145-167. [PMID: 36495013 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Seeds are a major source of nutrients for humans and animal livestock worldwide. With improved living standards, high nutritional quality has become one of the main targets for breeding. Storage protein content in seeds, which is highly variable depending on plant species, serves as a pivotal criterion of seed nutritional quality. In the last few decades, our understanding of the molecular genetics and regulatory mechanisms of storage protein synthesis has greatly advanced. Here, we systematically and comprehensively summarize breakthroughs on the conservation and divergence of storage protein synthesis in dicot and monocot plants. With regard to storage protein accumulation, we discuss evolutionary origins, developmental processes, characteristics of main storage protein fractions, regulatory networks, and genetic modifications. In addition, we discuss potential breeding strategies to improve storage protein accumulation and provide perspectives on some key unanswered problems that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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24
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Ning L, Wang Y, Shi X, Zhou L, Ge M, Liang S, Wu Y, Zhang T, Zhao H. Nitrogen-dependent binding of the transcription factor PBF1 contributes to the balance of protein and carbohydrate storage in maize endosperm. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:409-434. [PMID: 36222567 PMCID: PMC9806651 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fluctuations in nitrogen (N) availability influence protein and starch levels in maize (Zea mays) seeds, yet the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we report that N limitation impacted the expression of many key genes in N and carbon (C) metabolism in the developing endosperm of maize. Notably, the promoter regions of those genes were enriched for P-box sequences, the binding motif of the transcription factor prolamin-box binding factor 1 (PBF1). Loss of PBF1 altered accumulation of starch and proteins in endosperm. Under different N conditions, PBF1 protein levels remained stable but PBF1 bound different sets of target genes, especially genes related to the biosynthesis and accumulation of N and C storage products. Upon N-starvation, the absence of PBF1 from the promoters of some zein genes coincided with their reduced expression, suggesting that PBF1 promotes zein accumulation in the endosperm. In addition, PBF1 repressed the expression of sugary1 (Su1) and starch branching enzyme 2b (Sbe2b) under normal N supply, suggesting that, under N-deficiency, PBF1 redirects the flow of C skeletons for zein toward the formation of C compounds. Overall, our study demonstrates that PBF1 modulates C and N metabolism during endosperm development in an N-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xi Shi
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Min Ge
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Shuaiqiang Liang
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
| | - Tifu Zhang
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210014, China
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25
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Shen B, Schmidt MA, Collet KH, Liu ZB, Coy M, Abbitt S, Molloy L, Frank M, Everard JD, Booth R, Samadar PP, He Y, Kinney A, Herman EM. RNAi and CRISPR-Cas silencing E3-RING ubiquitin ligase AIP2 enhances soybean seed protein content. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:7285-7297. [PMID: 36112496 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The majority of plant protein in the world's food supply is derived from soybean (Glycine max). Soybean is a key protein source for global animal feed and is incorporated into plant-based foods for people, including meat alternatives. Soybean protein content is genetically variable and is usually inversely related to seed oil content. ABI3-interacting protein 2 (AIP2) is an E3-RING ubiquitin ligase that targets the seed-specific transcription factor ABI3. Silencing both soybean AIP2 genes (AIP2a and AIP2b) by RNAi enhanced seed protein content by up to seven percentage points, with no significant decrease in seed oil content. The protein content enhancement did not alter the composition of the seed storage proteins. Inactivation of either AIP2a or AIP2b by a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation increased seed protein content, and this effect was greater when both genes were inactivated. Transactivation assays in transfected soybean hypocotyl protoplasts indicated that ABI3 changes the expression of glycinin, conglycinin, 2S albumin, and oleosin genes, indicating that AIP2 depletion increased seed protein content by regulating activity of the ABI3 transcription factor protein. These results provide an example of a gene-editing prototype directed to improve global food security and protein availability in soybean that may also be applicable to other protein-source crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shen
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Monica A Schmidt
- School of Plant Sciences and Bio5 Institute, 1657 E Helen St, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Zhan-Bin Liu
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Monique Coy
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Shane Abbitt
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Lynda Molloy
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Mary Frank
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - John D Everard
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Russ Booth
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Partha P Samadar
- School of Plant Sciences and Bio5 Institute, 1657 E Helen St, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yonghua He
- School of Plant Sciences and Bio5 Institute, 1657 E Helen St, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Anthony Kinney
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Ave, PO Box 552, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
| | - Eliot M Herman
- School of Plant Sciences and Bio5 Institute, 1657 E Helen St, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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26
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Cao R, Zhao S, Jiao G, Duan Y, Ma L, Dong N, Lu F, Zhu M, Shao G, Hu S, Sheng Z, Zhang J, Tang S, Wei X, Hu P. OPAQUE3, encoding a transmembrane bZIP transcription factor, regulates endosperm storage protein and starch biosynthesis in rice. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:100463. [PMID: 36258666 PMCID: PMC9700205 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2022.100463] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Starch and storage proteins are the main components of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains. Despite their importance, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of storage protein and starch biosynthesis remain largely elusive. Here, we identified a rice opaque endosperm mutant, opaque3 (o3), that overaccumulates 57-kDa proglutelins and has significantly lower protein and starch contents than the wild type. The o3 mutant also has abnormal protein body structures and compound starch grains in its endosperm cells. OPAQUE3 (O3) encodes a transmembrane basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor (OsbZIP60) and is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the nucleus, but it is localized mostly in the nucleus under ER stress. We demonstrated that O3 could activate the expression of several starch synthesis-related genes (GBSSI, AGPL2, SBEI, and ISA2) and storage protein synthesis-related genes (OsGluA2, Prol14, and Glb1). O3 also plays an important role in protein processing and export in the ER by directly binding to the promoters and activating the expression of OsBIP1 and PDIL1-1, two major chaperones that assist with folding of immature secretory proteins in the ER of rice endosperm cells. High-temperature conditions aggravate ER stress and result in more abnormal grain development in o3 mutants. We also revealed that OsbZIP50 can assist O3 in response to ER stress, especially under high-temperature conditions. We thus demonstrate that O3 plays a central role in rice grain development by participating simultaneously in the regulation of storage protein and starch biosynthesis and the maintenance of ER homeostasis in endosperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shaolu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China; Institute of Agricultural Science in Jiangsu Coastal Areas, Yancheng 224002, China
| | - Guiai Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yingqing Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Liuyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Nannan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Feifei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Mingdong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Gaoneng Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shikai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Zhonghua Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shaoqing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiangjin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Peisong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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Yang T, Wang H, Guo L, Wu X, Xiao Q, Wang J, Wang Q, Ma G, Wang W, Wu Y. ABA-induced phosphorylation of basic leucine zipper 29, ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 19, and Opaque2 by SnRK2.2 enhances gene transactivation for endosperm filling in maize. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:1933-1956. [PMID: 35157077 PMCID: PMC9048887 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Opaque2 (O2) functions as a central regulator of the synthesis of starch and storage proteins and the O2 gene is transcriptionally regulated by a hub coordinator of seed development and grain filling, ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 19 (ZmABI19), in maize (Zea mays). Here, we identified a second hub coordinator, basic Leucine Zipper 29 (ZmbZIP29) that interacts with ZmABI19 to regulate O2 expression. Like zmabi19, zmbzip29 mutations resulted in a dramatic decrease of transcript and protein levels of O2 and thus a significant reduction of starch and storage proteins. zmbzip29 seeds developed slower and had a smaller size at maturity than those of the wild type. The zmbzip29;zmabi19 double mutant displayed more severe seed phenotypes and a greater reduction of storage reserves compared to the single mutants, whereas overexpression of the two transcription factors enhanced O2 expression, storage-reserve accumulation, and kernel weight. ZmbZIP29, ZmABI19, and O2 expression was induced by abscisic acid (ABA). With ABA treatment, ZmbZIP29 and ZmABI19 synergistically transactivated the O2 promoter. Through liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry analysis, we established that the residues threonine(T) 57 in ZmABI19, T75 in ZmbZIP29, and T387 in O2 were phosphorylated, and that SnRK2.2 was responsible for the phosphorylation. The ABA-induced phosphorylation at these sites was essential for maximum transactivation of downstream target genes for endosperm filling in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haonan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liangxing Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xingguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guangjin Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenqin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200233, China
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Liao S, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhao C, Ruan YL, Guo X. Exploring the Developmental Progression of Endosperm Cavity Formation in Maize Grain and the Underlying Molecular Basis Using X-Ray Tomography and Genome Wide Association Study. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:847884. [PMID: 35463403 PMCID: PMC9021861 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.847884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endosperm cavity (EC) in maize grain reduces yield and causes grain breakage during mechanical harvesting, hence representing a major problem in the maize industry. Despite this, little is known regarding the biological processes governing EC formation. Here, we attempted to address this issue by (i) determining the spatial and temporal progression of EC in a non-invasive manner and (ii) identifying candidate genes that may be linked to the formation of EC by using a genome wide association study (GWAS). Visualization and measurement using X-ray micro-computed tomography established that EC first appeared at the central starch endosperm at about 12 days after pollination (DAP) and became enlarged thereafter. GWAS-based screening of a panel of 299 inbred lines with a wide range of EC size identified nine candidate genes that showed significant association with EC formation. Most of the candidate genes exhibited a decrease at 12 DAP, coinciding with the timing of EC appearance. Among them, ZmMrp11 was annotated as a member encoding a multidrug resistance-associated protein that has been shown in other studies to sequestrate toxic metabolites from the cytosol to the vacuole, thereby detoxifying the cellular environment. This, together with the reduced expression of ZmMrp11 in maize grains from 12 DAP, prompted us to propose that the low expression of ZmMrp11 may block cellular detoxification in the maize endosperm cells, leading to cell death and ultimately the formation of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjin Liao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, Research Center of Information Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, Research Center of Information Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinglu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, Research Center of Information Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjiang Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, Research Center of Information Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Ling Ruan
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, Research Center of Information Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
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29
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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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30
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Li D, Shao L, Zhang J, Wang X, Zhang D, Horvath DP, Zhang L, Zhang J, Xia Y. MADS-box transcription factors determine the duration of temporary winter dormancy in closely related evergreen and deciduous Iris spp. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:1429-1449. [PMID: 34752617 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab484] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Winter dormancy (WD) is a crucial strategy for plants coping with potentially deadly environments. In recent decades, this process has been extensively studied in economically important perennial eudicots due to changing climate. However, in evergreen monocots with no chilling requirements, dormancy processes are so far a mystery. In this study, we compared the WD process in closely related evergreen (Iris japonica) and deciduous (I. tectorum) iris species across crucial developmental time points. Both iris species exhibit a 'temporary' WD process with distinct durations, and could easily resume growth under warm conditions. To decipher transcriptional changes, full-length sequencing for evergreen iris and short read RNA sequencing for deciduous iris were applied to generate respective reference transcriptomes. Combining results from a multipronged approach, SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE and FRUITFULL (FUL) from MADS-box was associated with a dormancy- and a growth-related module, respectively. They were co-expressed with genes involved in phytohormone signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, and environmental adaptation. Also, gene expression patterns and physiological changes in the above pathways highlighted potential abscisic acid and jasmonic acid antagonism in coordinating growth and stress responses, whereas differences in carbohydrate metabolism and reactive oxygen species scavenging might lead to species-specific WD durations. Moreover, a detailed analysis of MIKCCMADS-box in irises revealed common features described in eudicots as well as possible new roles for monocots during temporary WD, such as FLOWERING LOCUS C and FUL. In essence, our results not only provide a portrait of temporary WD in perennial monocots but also offer new insights into the regulatory mechanism underlying WD in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Li
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lingmei Shao
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - David P Horvath
- USDA-ARS, Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, Fargo, ND, 58102-2765, USA
| | - Liangsheng Zhang
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiping Xia
- Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory of Ornamental Plants, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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31
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Zhang X, Wang M, Zhang C, Dai C, Guan H, Zhang R. Genetic dissection of QTLs for starch content in four maize DH populations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:950664. [PMID: 36275573 PMCID: PMC9583244 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.950664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Starch is the principal carbohydrate source in maize kernels. Understanding the genetic basis of starch content (SC) benefits greatly in improving maize yield and optimizing end-use quality. Here, four double haploid (DH) populations were generated and were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with SC. The phenotype of SC exhibited continuous and approximate normal distribution in each population. A total of 13 QTLs for SC in maize kernels was detected in a range of 3.65-16.18% of phenotypic variation explained (PVE). Among those, only some partly overlapped with QTLs previously known to be related to SC. Meanwhile, 12 genes involved in starch synthesis and metabolism located within QTLs were identified in this study. These QTLs will lay the foundation to explore candidate genes regulating SC in maize kernel and facilitate the application of molecular marker-assisted selection for a breeding program to cultivate maize varieties with a deal of grain quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Zhang
- Quality and Safety Institute of Agricultural Products, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Min Wang
- Institute of Advanced Agricultural Technology, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Changjun Dai
- Quality and Safety Institute of Agricultural Products, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Haitao Guan
- Quality and Safety Institute of Agricultural Products, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Ruiying Zhang
- Quality and Safety Institute of Agricultural Products, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Ruiying Zhang
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32
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Li Y, Ma S, Zhao Q, Lv D, Wang B, Xiao K, Zhu J, Li S, Yang W, Liu X, Wang H, Zhou X, Chen R. ZmGRAS11, transactivated by Opaque2, positively regulates kernel size in maize. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 63:2031-2037. [PMID: 34850567 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the genetic basis for endosperm development in maize (Zea mays) has been well studied, the mechanism for coordinating grain filling with increasing kernel size remains elusive. Here, we report that increased kernel size was selected during modern breeding and identify a novel DELLA-like transcriptional regulator, ZmGRAS11, which positively regulates kernel size and kernel weight in maize. We find that Opaque2, a core transcription factor for zein protein and starch accumulation, transactivates the expression of ZmGRAS11. Our data suggest that the Opaque2-ZmGRAS11 module mediates synergistic endosperm enlargement with grain filling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Chemical and Biological Processing Technology, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Di Lv
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Baobao Wang
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ke Xiao
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiameng Zhu
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Stress Resistance Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Suzhen Li
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Wenzhu Yang
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhou
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Rumei Chen
- Crop Functional Genome Research Center, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
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33
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Dahro B, Wang Y, Alhag A, Li C, Guo D, Liu JH. Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of invertase gene family for abiotic stresses tolerance in Poncirus trifoliata. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:559. [PMID: 34823468 PMCID: PMC8614057 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sucrose (Suc) hydrolysis is directly associated with plants tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. Invertase (INV) enzymes irreversibly catalyze Suc degradation to produce glucose (Glc) and fructose (Frc). However, genome-wide identification and function of individual members of the INV gene family in Poncirus trifoliata or its Citrus relatives in response to abiotic stresses are not fully understood. RESULTS In this report, fourteen non-redundant PtrINV family members were identified in P. trifoliata including seven alkaline/neutral INV genes (PtrA/NINV1-7), two vacuolar INV genes (PtrVINV1-2), and five cell wall INV isoforms (PtrCWINV1-5). A comprehensive analysis based on the biochemical characteristics, the chromosomal location, the exon-intron structures and the evolutionary relationships demonstrated the conservation and the divergence of PtrINVs. In addition, expression analysis of INV genes during several abiotic stresses in various tissues indicated the central role of A/NINV7 among INV family members in response to abiotic stresses. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that high accumulation of Suc, Glc, Frc and total sugar contents were directly correlated with the elevated activities of soluble INV enzymes in the cold-tolerant P. trifoliata, C. ichangensis and C. sinensis, demonstrating the potential role of soluble INV enzymes for the cold tolerance of Citrus. CONCLUSIONS This work offered a framework for understanding the physiological role of INV genes and laid a foundation for future functional studies of these genes in response to abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachar Dahro
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria
| | - Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ahmed Alhag
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Dayong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Ji-Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Li J, Xie L, Tian X, Liu S, Xu D, Jin H, Song J, Dong Y, Zhao D, Li G, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Xia X, He Z, Cao S. TaNAC100 acts as an integrator of seed protein and starch synthesis exerting pleiotropic effects on agronomic traits in wheat. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 108:829-840. [PMID: 34492155 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) are major components of seed storage proteins (SSPs) and largely determine the processing properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) flour. HMW-GS are encoded by the GLU-1 loci and regulated at the transcriptional level by interaction between cis-elements and transcription factors (TFs). We recently validated the function of conserved cis-regulatory modules (CCRMs) in GLU-1 promoters, but their interacting TFs remained uncharacterized. Here we identified a CCRM-binding NAM-ATAF-CUC (NAC) protein, TaNAC100, through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) library screening. Transactivation assays demonstrated that TaNAC100 could bind to the GLU-1 promoters and repress their transcription activity in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana). Overexpression of TaNAC100 in wheat significantly reduced the contents of HMW-GS and other SSPs as well as total seed protein. This was confirmed by transcriptome analyses. Conversely, enhanced expression of TaNAC100 increased seed starch contents and expression of key starch synthesis-related genes, such as TaGBSS1 and TaSUS2. Y1H assays also indicated TaNAC100 binding with the promoters of TaGBSS1 and TaSUS2. These results suggest that TaNAC100 functions as a hub controlling seed protein and starch synthesis. Phenotypic analyses showed that TaNAC100 overexpression repressed plant height, increased heading date, and promoted seed size and thousand kernel weight. We also investigated sequence variations in a panel of cultivars, but did not identify significant association of TaNAC100 haplotypes with agronomic traits. The findings not only uncover a useful gene for wheat breeding but also provide an entry point to reveal the mechanism underlying metabolic balance of seed storage products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihu Li
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongysse North Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Lina Xie
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiuling Tian
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Siyang Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Dengan Xu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Institute of Forage and Grassland Sciences, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 368 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150086, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Dehui Zhao
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Genying Li
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongysse North Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Yulian Li
- Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202 Gongysse North Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xianchun Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhonghu He
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, c/o CAAS, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shuanghe Cao
- Institute of Crop Sciences, National Wheat Improvement Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
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Wang J, Wang Y, Zhang J, Ren Y, Li M, Tian S, Yu Y, Zuo Y, Gong G, Zhang H, Guo S, Xu Y. The NAC transcription factor ClNAC68 positively regulates sugar content and seed development in watermelon by repressing ClINV and ClGH3.6. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:214. [PMID: 34593776 PMCID: PMC8484586 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-021-00649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factors play important roles in fruit ripening and quality. The watermelon genome encodes 80 NAC genes, and 21 of these NAC genes are highly expressed in both the flesh and vascular tissues. Among these genes, ClNAC68 expression was significantly higher in flesh than in rind. However, the intrinsic regulatory mechanism of ClNAC68 in fruit ripening and quality is still unknown. In this study, we found that ClNAC68 is a transcriptional repressor and that the repression domain is located in the C-terminus. Knockout of ClNAC68 by the CRISPR-Cas9 system decreased the soluble solid content and sucrose accumulation in mutant flesh. Development was delayed, germination was inhibited, and the IAA content was significantly decreased in mutant seeds. Transcriptome analysis showed that the invertase gene ClINV was the only gene involved in sucrose metabolism that was upregulated in mutant flesh, and expression of the indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase gene ClGH3.6 in the IAA signaling pathway was also induced in mutant seeds. EMSA and dual-luciferase assays showed that ClNAC68 directly bound to the promoters of ClINV and ClGH3.6 to repress their expression. These results indicated that ClNAC68 positively regulated sugar and IAA accumulation by repressing ClINV and ClGH3.6. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms by which NAC transcription factors affect fruit quality and seed development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Wang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yi Ren
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Maoying Li
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Shaowei Tian
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yongtao Yu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yi Zuo
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guoyi Gong
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Shaogui Guo
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- National Watermelon and Melon Improvement Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (North China), Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Improvement, Beijing, 100097, China
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Huang L, Tan H, Zhang C, Li Q, Liu Q. Starch biosynthesis in cereal endosperms: An updated review over the last decade. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 2:100237. [PMID: 34746765 PMCID: PMC8554040 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2021.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Starch is a vital energy source for living organisms and is a key raw material and additive in the food and non-food industries. Starch has received continuous attention in multiple research fields. The endosperm of cereals (e.g., rice, corn, wheat, and barley) is the most important site for the synthesis of storage starch. Around 2010, several excellent reviews summarized key progress in various fields of starch research, serving as important references for subsequent research. In the past 10 years, many achievements have been made in the study of starch synthesis and regulation in cereals. The present review provides an update on research progress in starch synthesis of cereal endosperms over the past decade, focusing on new enzymes and non-enzymatic proteins involved in starch synthesis, regulatory networks of starch synthesis, and the use of elite alleles of starch synthesis-related genes in cereal breeding programs. We also provide perspectives on future research directions that will further our understanding of cereal starch biosynthesis and regulation to support the rational design of ideal quality grain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hongyan Tan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qianfeng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qiaoquan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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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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Yang T, Guo L, Ji C, Wang H, Wang J, Zheng X, Xiao Q, Wu Y. The B3 domain-containing transcription factor ZmABI19 coordinates expression of key factors required for maize seed development and grain filling. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:104-128. [PMID: 33751093 PMCID: PMC8136913 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Grain filling in maize (Zea mays) is regulated by a group of spatiotemporally synchronized transcription factors (TFs), but the factors that coordinate their expression remain unknown. We used the promoter of the grain filling-specific TF gene Opaque2 (O2) to screen upstream regulatory factors and identified a B3 domain TF, ZmABI19, that directly binds to the O2 promoter for transactivation. zmabi19 mutants displayed developmental defects in the endosperm and embryo, and mature kernels were opaque and reduced in size. The accumulation of zeins, starch and lipids dramatically decreased in zmabi19 mutants. RNA sequencing revealed an alteration of the nutrient reservoir activity and starch and sucrose metabolism in zmabi19 endosperms, and plant phytohormone signal transduction and lipid metabolism in zmabi19 embryos. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing coupled with differential expression analysis identified 106 high-confidence direct ZmABI19 targets. ZmABI19 directly regulates multiple key grain filling TFs including O2, Prolamine-box binding factor 1, ZmbZIP22, NAC130, and Opaque11 in the endosperm and Viviparous1 in the embryo. A number of phytohormone-related genes were also bound and regulated by ZmABI19. Our results demonstrate that ZmABI19 functions as a grain filling initiation regulator. ZmABI19 roles in coupling early endosperm and embryo development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liangxing Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Ji
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haihai Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xixi Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongrui Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- Author for communication:
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Dai D, Ma Z, Song R. Maize kernel development. MOLECULAR BREEDING : NEW STRATEGIES IN PLANT IMPROVEMENT 2021; 41:2. [PMID: 37309525 PMCID: PMC10231577 DOI: 10.1007/s11032-020-01195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays) is a leading cereal crop in the world. The maize kernel is the storage organ and the harvest portion of this crop and is closely related to its yield and quality. The development of maize kernel is initiated by the double fertilization event, leading to the formation of a diploid embryo and a triploid endosperm. The embryo and endosperm are then undergone independent developmental programs, resulting in a mature maize kernel which is comprised of a persistent endosperm, a large embryo, and a maternal pericarp. Due to the well-characterized morphogenesis and powerful genetics, maize kernel has long been an excellent model for the study of cereal kernel development. In recent years, with the release of the maize reference genome and the development of new genomic technologies, there has been an explosive expansion of new knowledge for maize kernel development. In this review, we overviewed recent progress in the study of maize kernel development, with an emphasis on genetic mapping of kernel traits, transcriptome analysis during kernel development, functional gene cloning of kernel mutants, and genetic engineering of kernel traits.
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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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40
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Carotenoids modulate kernel texture in maize by influencing amyloplast envelope integrity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5346. [PMID: 33093471 PMCID: PMC7582188 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism that creates vitreous endosperm in the mature maize kernel is poorly understood. We identified Vitreous endosperm 1 (Ven1) as a major QTL influencing this process. Ven1 encodes β-carotene hydroxylase 3, an enzyme that modulates carotenoid composition in the amyloplast envelope. The A619 inbred contains a nonfunctional Ven1 allele, leading to a decrease in polar and an increase in non-polar carotenoids in the amyloplast. Coincidently, the stability of amyloplast membranes is increased during kernel desiccation. The lipid composition in endosperm cells in A619 is altered, giving rise to a persistent amyloplast envelope. These changes impede the gathering of protein bodies and prevent them from interacting with starch grains, creating air spaces that cause an opaque kernel phenotype. Genetic modifiers were identified that alter the effect of Ven1A619, while maintaining a high β-carotene level. These studies provide insight for breeding vitreous kernel varieties and high vitamin A content in maize. Very little is known about how vitreous endosperm in the mature maize kernel is created. Here, via map-based cloning, the authors find that mutation of a β-carotene hydroxylase 3 encoding gene Ven1 affects carotenoids and lipids composition, which consequently influences amyloplast envelope integrity.
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Liu Y, Hou J, Wang X, Li T, Majeed U, Hao C, Zhang X. The NAC transcription factor NAC019-A1 is a negative regulator of starch synthesis in wheat developing endosperm. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:5794-5807. [PMID: 32803271 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Starch is a major component of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) endosperm and is an important part of the human diet. The functions of many starch synthesis genes have been elucidated. However, little is known about their regulatory mechanisms in wheat. Here, we identified a novel NAC transcription factor, TaNAC019-A1 (TraesCS3A02G077900), that negatively regulates starch synthesis in wheat and rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperms. TaNAC019-A1 was highly expressed in the endosperm of developing grains and encoded a nucleus-localized transcriptional repressor. Overexpression of TaNAC019-A1 in rice and wheat led to significantly reduced starch content, kernel weight, and kernel width. The TaNAC019-A1-overexpression wheat lines had smaller A-type starch granules and fewer B-type starch granules than wild-type. Moreover, TaNAC019-A1 could directly bind to the 'ACGCAG' motif in the promoter regions of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase small subunit 1 (TaAGPS1-A1, TraesCS7A02G287400) and TaAGPS1-B1 (TraesCS7B02G183300) and repress their expression, thereby inhibiting starch synthesis in wheat endosperm. One haplotype of TaNAC019-B1 (TaNAC019-B1-Hap2, TraesCS3B02G092800) was positively associated with thousand-kernel weight and underwent positive selection during the Chinese wheat breeding process. Our data demonstrate that TaNAC019-A1 is a negative regulator of starch synthesis in wheat endosperm and provide novel insight into wheat yield improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Uzma Majeed
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Hou J, Liu Y, Hao C, Li T, Liu H, Zhang X. Starch Metabolism in Wheat: Gene Variation and Association Analysis Reveal Additive Effects on Kernel Weight. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:562008. [PMID: 33123177 PMCID: PMC7573188 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.562008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Kernel weight is a key determinant of yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Starch consists of amylose and amylopectin and is the major constituent of mature grain. Therefore, starch metabolism in the endosperm during grain filling can influence kernel weight. In this study, we sequenced 87 genes involved in starch metabolism from 300 wheat accessions and detected 8,141 polymorphic sites. We also characterized yield-related traits across different years in these accessions. Although the starch contents fluctuated, thousand kernel weight (TKW) showed little variation. Polymorphisms in six genes were significantly associated with TKW. These genes were located on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 4A, and 7A; none were associated with starch content or amylose content. Variations of 15 genes on chromosomes 1A and 7A formed haplotype blocks in 26 accessions. Notably, accessions with higher TKWs had more of the favorable haplotypes. We thus conclude that these haplotypes contribute additive effects to TKW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yunchuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
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Wang T, Song H, Li P, Wei Y, Hu N, Chen Z, Wang W, Liu J, Zhang B, Peng R. Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into Grain Filling in Foxtail Millet ( Setaria italica L.). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145031. [PMID: 32708737 PMCID: PMC7403974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Grain filling is an importantly developmental process which is associated with the yield and quality of foxtail millet (Setaria italic L.). However, the molecular mechanisms of grain filling are rarely reported in foxtail millet. In our study, RNA-seq was performed to investigate the transcriptional dynamics and identify the key genes involved in grain filling in foxtail millet at five different developmental stages. A total of 11,399 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 902 transcription factors (TFs), were identified. Certain important genes involved in grain filling were discovered through a function annotation and temporal expression patterns analysis. These genes included genes associated with starch biosynthesis, cell-wall invertases, hormone signal transduction, and polyamine metabolism pathways. The expression levels of seven randomly selected DEGs were validated by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This study provides the first insight into the changes in the gene expression of grain filling at different developmental stages in foxtail millet. These results could help understand the complex molecular mechanisms of the panicle formation in foxtail millet and other cereal crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
- Innovation and Practice Base for Postdoctors, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Hui Song
- Anyang Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (H.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Pengtao Li
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
| | - Yangyang Wei
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
| | - Nan Hu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
| | - Zhenwen Chen
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
| | - Weiqi Wang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
| | - Jinrong Liu
- Anyang Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Anyang 455000, China; (H.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (R.P.); Tel.: +1-252-328-2021 (B.Z.); +86-372-2909279 (R.P.)
| | - Renhai Peng
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China; (T.W.); (P.L.); (Y.W.); (N.H.); (Z.C.); (W.W.)
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (R.P.); Tel.: +1-252-328-2021 (B.Z.); +86-372-2909279 (R.P.)
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Dissecting the Seed Maturation and Germination Processes in the Non-Orthodox Quercus ilex Species Based on Protein Signatures as Revealed by 2-DE Coupled to MALDI-TOF/TOF Proteomics Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144870. [PMID: 32660160 PMCID: PMC7402289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike orthodox species, seed recalcitrance is poorly understood, especially at the molecular level. In this regard, seed maturation and germination were studied in the non-orthodox Quercus ilex by using a proteomics strategy based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight (2-DE-MALDI-TOF).Cotyledons and embryo/radicle were sampled at different developmental stages, including early (M1–M3), middle (M4–M7), and late (M8–M9) seed maturation, and early (G1–G3) and late (G4–G5) germination. Samples corresponding to non-germinating, inviable, seeds were also included. Protein extracts were subjected to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and changes in the protein profiles were analyzed. Identified variable proteins were grouped according to their function, being the energy, carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolisms, together with protein fate, redox homeostasis, and response to stress are the most represented groups. Beyond the visual aspect, morphometry, weight, and water content, each stage had a specific protein signature. Clear tendencies for the different protein groups throughout the maturation and germination stages were observed for, respectively, cotyledon and the embryo axis. Proteins related to metabolism, translation, legumins, proteases, proteasome, and those stress related were less abundant in non-germinating seeds, it related to the loss of viability. Cotyledons were enriched with reserve proteins and protein-degrading enzymes, while the embryo axis was enriched with proteins of cell defense and rescue, including heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and antioxidants. The peaks of enzyme proteins occurred at the middle stages (M6–M7) in cotyledons and at late ones (M8–M9) in the embryo axis. Unlike orthodox seeds, proteins associated with glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism are present at high levels in the mature seed and were maintained throughout the germination stages. The lack of desiccation tolerance in Q. ilex seeds may be associated with the repression of some genes, late embryogenesis abundant proteins being one of the candidates.
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