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Ma X, Feng L, Tao A, Zenda T, He Y, Zhang D, Duan H, Tao Y. Identification and validation of seed dormancy loci and candidate genes and construction of regulatory networks by WGCNA in maize introgression lines. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:259. [PMID: 38038768 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04495-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Seventeen PHS-QTLs and candidate genes were obtained, including eleven major loci, three under multiple environments and two with co-localization by the other mapping methods; The functions of three candidate genes were validated using mutants; nine target proteins and five networks were filtered by joint analysis of GWAS and WGCNA. Seed dormancy (SD) and pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) affect yield, as well as grain and hybrid quality in seed production. Therefore, identification of genetic and regulatory pathways underlying PHS and SD is key to gene function analysis, allelic variation mining and genetic improvement. In this study, 78,360 SNPs by SLAF-seq of 230 maize chromosome segment introgression lines (ILs), PHS under five environments were used to conduct GWAS (genome wide association study) (a threshold of 1/n), and seventeen unreported PHS QTLs were obtained, including eleven QTLs with PVE > 10% and three QTLs under multiple environments. Two QTL loci were co-located between the other two genetic mapping methods. Using differential gene expression analyses at two stages of grain development, gene functional analysis of Arabidopsis mutants, and gene functional analysis in the QTL region, seventeen PHS QTL-linked candidate genes were identified, and their five molecular regulatory networks constructed. Based on the Arabidopsis T-DNA mutations, three candidate genes were shown to regulate for SD and PHS. Meanwhile, using RNA-seq of grain development, the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, deducing five regulatory pathways and target genes that regulate PHS and SD. Based on the conjoint analysis of GWAS and WGCNA, four pathways, nine target proteins and target genes were revealed, most of which regulate cell wall metabolism, cell proliferation and seed dehydration tolerance. This has important theoretical and practical significance for elucidating the genetic basis of maize PHS and SD, as well as mining of genetic resources and genetic improvement of traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Liqing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Anyan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Tinashe Zenda
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Yuan He
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Daxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Huijun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China.
| | - Yongsheng Tao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, North China Key Laboratory for Crop Germplasm Resources of the Education Ministry, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zhu L, Wang L, Zhang H, Zhang X, Xu S, Xue J. Identification of the Maize LEA Gene Family and Its Relationship with Kernel Dehydration. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3674. [PMID: 37960031 PMCID: PMC10647770 DOI: 10.3390/plants12213674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Maize, the most widely planted and highest yielding of the three major crops in the world, requires the development and breeding of new varieties to accommodate the shift towards mechanized harvesting. However, the moisture content of kernels during harvest poses a significant challenge to mechanized harvesting, leading to seed breakage and increased storage costs. Previous studies highlighted the importance of LEA (Late Embryogenesis Abundant) members in regulating kernel dehydration. In this study, we aimed to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the LEA family and grain dehydration in maize. Through expression pattern analysis of maize, we identified 52 LEA genes (ZmLEAs) distributed across 10 chromosomes, organized into seven subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, and conserved motifs. Evolutionary and selective pressure analysis revealed that the amplification of ZmLEA genes primarily resulted from whole-genome or fragment replication events, with strong purifying selection effects during evolution. Furthermore, the transcriptome data of kernels of two maize inbred lines with varying dehydration rates at different developmental stages showed that 14 ZmLEA genes were expressed differentially in the two inbreds. This suggested that the ZmLEA genes might participate in regulating the kernel dehydration rate (KDR) in maize. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the ZmLEA family and provides a foundation for further research into its role in regulating genes associated with grain dehydration in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shutu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jiquan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
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Zhang Y, Liu P, Zou C, Chen Z, Yuan G, Gao S, Pan G, Shen Y, Ma L. Comprehensive analysis of transcriptional data on seed germination of two maize inbred lines under low-temperature conditions. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 201:107874. [PMID: 37429215 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107874] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Seed germination directly affect maize yield and grain quality. Low-temperature reduces maize yield by affecting seed germination and seedling growth. However, the molecular mechanism of maize seed germination under low-temperature remains unclear. In this study, the transcriptome data of two maize inbred lines SCL127 (chilling-sensitive) and SCL326 (chilling-tolerant) were analyzed at five time points (0 H, 4 H, 12 H, 24 H, and 48 H) under low-temperature conditions. Through the comparison of SCL127-0 H-vs-SCL326-0 H (Group I), SCL127-4 H-vs-SCL326-4 H (Group Ⅱ), SCL127-12 H-vs-SCL326-12 H (Group Ⅲ), SCL127-24 H-vs-SCL326-24 H (Group Ⅳ), and SCL127-48 H-vs SCL326-48 H (Group Ⅴ), a total of 8,526 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Weighted correlation network analysis revealed that Zm00001d010445 was the hub gene involved in seed germination under low-temperature conditions. Zm00001d010445-based association analysis showed that Hap Ⅱ (G) was the excellent haplotype for seed germination under low-temperature conditions. These findings provide a new perspective for the study of the genetic architecture of maize tolerance to low-temperature and contribute to the cultivation of maize varieties with low-temperature tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China; Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chaoying Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guangsheng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shibin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guangtang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yaou Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Langlang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Niu L, Liu L, Zhang J, Scali M, Wang W, Hu X, Wu X. Genetic Engineering of Starch Biosynthesis in Maize Seeds for Efficient Enzymatic Digestion of Starch during Bioethanol Production. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043927. [PMID: 36835340 PMCID: PMC9967003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize accumulates large amounts of starch in seeds which have been used as food for human and animals. Maize starch is an importantly industrial raw material for bioethanol production. One critical step in bioethanol production is degrading starch to oligosaccharides and glucose by α-amylase and glucoamylase. This step usually requires high temperature and additional equipment, leading to an increased production cost. Currently, there remains a lack of specially designed maize cultivars with optimized starch (amylose and amylopectin) compositions for bioethanol production. We discussed the features of starch granules suitable for efficient enzymatic digestion. Thus far, great advances have been made in molecular characterization of the key proteins involved in starch metabolism in maize seeds. The review explores how these proteins affect starch metabolism pathway, especially in controlling the composition, size and features of starch. We highlight the roles of key enzymes in controlling amylose/amylopectin ratio and granules architecture. Based on current technological process of bioethanol production using maize starch, we propose that several key enzymes can be modified in abundance or activities via genetic engineering to synthesize easily degraded starch granules in maize seeds. The review provides a clue for developing special maize cultivars as raw material in the bioethanol industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangjie Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Liangwei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Key Laboratory of Enzyme Engineering of Agricultural Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jinghua Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Monica Scali
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Wei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Xiuli Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Guo X, Yan N, Liu L, Yin X, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Wang J, Cao G, Fan C, Hu Z. Transcriptomic comparison of seeds and silique walls from two rapeseed genotypes with contrasting seed oil content. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1082466. [PMID: 36714692 PMCID: PMC9880416 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1082466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Silique walls play pivotal roles in contributing photoassimilates and nutrients to fuel seed growth. However, the interaction between seeds and silique walls impacting oil biosynthesis is not clear during silique development. Changes in sugar, fatty acid and gene expression during Brassica napus silique development of L192 with high oil content and A260 with low oil content were investigated to identify key factors affecting difference of their seed oil content. During the silique development, silique walls contained more hexose and less sucrose than seeds, and glucose and fructose contents in seeds and silique walls of L192 were higher than that of A260 at 15 DAF, and sucrose content in the silique walls of L192 were lower than that of A260 at three time points. Genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis were activated over time, and differences on fatty acid content between the two genotypes occurred after 25 DAF. Genes related to photosynthesis expressed more highly in silique walls than in contemporaneous seeds, and were inhibited over time. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested photosynthesis were activated in L192 at 25 and 35 DAF in silique walls and at both 15 and 35 DAF in the seed. Expressions of sugar transporter genes in L192 was higher than that in A260, especially at 35 DAF. Expressions of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, such as BCCP2s, bZIP67 and LEC1s were higher in L192 than in A260, especially at 35 DAF. Meanwhile, genes related to oil body proteins were expressed at much lower levels in L192 than in A260. According to the WGCNA results, hub modules, such as ME.turquoise relative to photosynthesis, ME.green relative to embryo development and ME.yellow relative to lipid biosynthesis, were identified and synergistically regulated seed development and oil accumulation. Our results are helpful for understanding the mechanism of oil accumulation of seeds in oilseed rape for seed oil content improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linpo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzhen Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Zhang
- Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingqiao Wang
- Institute of Economical Crops, Yunnan Agricultural Academy, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Guozhi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zanmin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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