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Khan A, Tian R, Bean SR, Yerka M, Jiao Y. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal regulatory networks associated with nutrition synthesis in sorghum seeds. Commun Biol 2024; 7:841. [PMID: 38987396 PMCID: PMC11237005 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06525-7] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cereal seeds are vital for food, feed, and agricultural sustainability because they store and provide essential nutrients to human and animal food and feed systems. Unraveling molecular processes in seed development is crucial for enhancing cereal grain yield and quality. We analyze spatiotemporal transcriptome and metabolome profiles during sorghum seed development in the inbred line 'BTx623'. Morphological and molecular analyses identify the key stages of seed maturation, specifying starch biosynthesis onset at 5 days post-anthesis (dpa) and protein at 10 dpa. Transcriptome profiling from 1 to 25 dpa reveal dynamic gene expression pathways, shifting from cellular growth and embryo development (1-5 dpa) to cell division, fatty acid biosynthesis (5-25 dpa), and seed storage compounds synthesis in the endosperm (5-25 dpa). Network analysis identifies 361 and 207 hub genes linked to starch and protein synthesis in the endosperm, respectively, which will help breeders enhance sorghum grain quality. The availability of this data in the sorghum reference genome line establishes a baseline for future studies as new pangenomes emerge, which will consider copy number and presence-absence variation in functional food traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Khan
- Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Ran Tian
- Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Scott R Bean
- Grain Quality and Structure Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA-ARS, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Melinda Yerka
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Yinping Jiao
- Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
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Liu Z, Gui J, Yan Y, Zhang H, He J. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Dehydration Rate of Mature Rice ( Oryza sativa) Seeds. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11527. [PMID: 37511287 PMCID: PMC10380403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a transcriptomic analysis of the dehydration rate of mature rice seeds was conducted to explore candidate genes related to the dehydration rate and provide a theoretical basis for breeding and utilization. We selected two rice cultivars for testing (Baghlani Nangarhar, an extremely rapid dehydration genotype, and Saturn, a slow dehydration genotype) based on the results determined by previous studies conducted on the screening of 165 germplasm materials for dehydration rate phenotypes. A rapid dehydration experiment performed on these two types of seeds was conducted. Four comparative groups were set up under control and dehydration conditions. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were quantified via transcriptome sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses were also conducted. In Baghlani Nangarhar, 53 DEGs were screened, of which 33 were up-regulated and 20 were down-regulated. In Saturn, 25 DEGs were screened, of which 19 were up-regulated and 6 were down-regulated. The results of the GO analysis show that the sites of action of the differentially expressed genes enriched in the rapid dehydration modes are concentrated in the cytoplasm, internal components of the membrane, and nucleosomes. They play regulatory roles in the processes of catalysis, binding, translocation, transcription, protein folding, degradation, and replication. They are also involved in adaptive responses to adverse external environments, such as reactive oxygen species and high temperature. The KEGG analysis showed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, amino acid biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation were the main metabolic pathways that were enriched. The key differentially expressed genes and the most important metabolic pathways identified in the rapidly and slowly dehydrated genotypes were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. They were presumed to have important regulatory roles in the mechanisms of stress/defense, energy metabolism, protein synthesis/folding, and signal transduction during the dehydration and drying of mature seeds. The results of this study can potentially provide valuable information for further research on the genes and metabolic pathways related to the dehydration rate of mature rice seeds, and provide theoretical guidance for the selection and breeding of new rice germplasm that can be rapidly dehydrated at the mature stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqi Liu
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 420128, China
| | - Jinxin Gui
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 420128, China
| | - Yuntao Yan
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 420128, China
| | - Haiqing Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 420128, China
| | - Jiwai He
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 420128, China
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Ying Y, Xu F, Zhang Z, Tappiban P, Bao J. Dynamic Change in Starch Biosynthetic Enzymes Complexes during Grain-Filling Stages in BEIIb Active and Deficient Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810714. [PMID: 36142619 PMCID: PMC9501056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Starch is the predominant reserve in rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperm, which is synthesized by the coordinated efforts of a series of starch biosynthetic-related enzymes in the form of a multiple enzyme complex. Whether the enzyme complex changes during seed development is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the dynamic change in multi-protein complexes in an indica rice variety IR36 (wild type, WT) and its BEIIb-deficient mutant (be2b) at different developmental stages. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Western blotting analysis of soluble protein fractions revealed most of the enzymes except for SSIVb were eluted in smaller molecular weight fractions at the early developing stage and were transferred to higher molecular weight fractions at the later stage in both WT and be2b. Accordingly, protein interactions were enhanced during seed development as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation analysis, suggesting that the enzymes were recruited to form larger protein complexes during starch biosynthesis. The converse elution pattern from GPC of SSIVb may be attributed to its vital role in the initiation step of starch synthesis. The number of protein complexes was markedly decreased in be2b at all development stages. Although SSIVb could partially compensate for the role of BEIIb in protein complex formation, it was hard to form a larger protein complex containing over five proteins in be2b. In addition, other proteins such as PPDKA and PPDKB were possibly present in the multi-enzyme complexes by proteomic analyses of high molecular weight fractions separated from GPC. Two putative protein kinases were found to be potentially associated with starch biosynthetic enzymes. Collectively, our findings unraveled a dynamic change in the protein complex during seed development, and potential roles of BEIIb in starch biosynthesis via various protein complex formations, which enables a deeper understanding of the complex mechanism of starch biosynthesis in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Ying
- Institute of Nuclear Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Feifei Xu
- Institute of Nuclear Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhongwei Zhang
- Institute of Nuclear Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Piengtawan Tappiban
- Institute of Nuclear Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinsong Bao
- Institute of Nuclear Agriculture Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Yazhou District, Sanya 572025, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-571-86971932
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Ajayo BS, Li Y, Wang Y, Dai C, Gao L, Liu H, Yu G, Zhang J, Huang Y, Hu Y. The novel ZmTCP7 transcription factor targets AGPase-encoding gene ZmBt2 to regulate storage starch accumulation in maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:943050. [PMID: 35909761 PMCID: PMC9335043 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.943050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The process of starch biosynthesis is a major developmental event that affects the final grain yield and quality in maize (Zea mays L.), and transcriptional regulation plays a key role in modulating the expression of the main players in the pathway. ZmBt2, which encodes the small subunits of AGPase, is a rate-controlling gene of the pathway; however, much remains unknown about its transcriptional regulation. Our earlier study identifies a short functional fragment of ZmBt2 promoter (394-bp), and further shows it contains multiple putative cis-acting regulatory elements, demonstrating that several transcription factors may govern ZmBt2 expression. Here, we identified a novel TCP transcription factor (TF), ZmTCP7, that interacted with the functional fragment of the ZmBt2 promoter in a yeast one hybrid screening system. We further showed that ZmTCP7 is a non-autonomous TF targeted to the nucleus and predominantly expressed in maize endosperm. Using promoter deletion analyzes by transient expression in maize endosperm protoplasts combined with electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we found that ZmTCP7 bound to GAACCCCAC elements on the ZmBt2 promoter to suppress its expression. Transgenic overexpression of ZmTCP7 in maize caused a significant repression of ZmBt2 transcription by ~77.58%, resulting in a 21.51% decrease in AGPase activity and a 9.58% reduction in the endosperm starch content of transgenic maize. Moreover, the expressions of ZmBt1, ZmSSI, ZmSSIIa, and ZmSSIIIa were increased, while those of ZmSh2 and ZmSSIV reduced significantly in the endosperm of the transgenic maize. Overall, this study shows that ZmTCP7 functions as a transcriptional repressor of ZmBt2 and a negative regulator of endosperm starch accumulation, providing new insights into the regulatory networks that govern ZmBt2 expression and starch biosynthesis pathway in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatope Samuel Ajayo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yayun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengdong Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanmei Liu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Guowu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, China
| | - Yubi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resource Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Weighted gene co-expression network analysis unveils gene networks regulating folate biosynthesis in maize endosperm. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:441. [PMID: 34631342 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02974-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Folates are essential elements for human growth and development, and their deficiency can lead to serious disorders. Waxy maize is a rich source of folates; however, the regulatory mechanism underlying folate biosynthesis in the endosperm remains unclear. Here, we examined changes in the folate content of maize endosperm collected at 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 days after pollination (DAP) using liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry and identified genes related to folate biosynthesis using transcriptome sequencing data. The results showed that 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate and 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate were the main storage forms of folates in the endosperm, and their contents were relatively high at 21-24 days. We also identified 569, 3183, 4365, and 5513 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in different days around milk stage. Functional annotation revealed 518 transcription factors (TFs) belonging to 33 families exhibiting specific expression in at least one sampling time. The key hub genes involved in folate biosynthesis were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. In total, 24,976 genes were used to construct a co-expression network with 29 co-expression modules, among which the brown and purple modules were highly related to folate biosynthesis. Further, 187 transcription factors in the brown and purple modules were considered potential transcription factors related to endosperm folate biosynthesis. These results may improve the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying folate biosynthesis in waxy maize and lead to the development of nutritionally fortified varieties. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02974-7.
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Shoaib N, Liu L, Ali A, Mughal N, Yu G, Huang Y. Molecular Functions and Pathways of Plastidial Starch Phosphorylase (PHO1) in Starch Metabolism: Current and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910450. [PMID: 34638789 PMCID: PMC8509025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Starch phosphorylase is a member of the GT35-glycogen-phosphorylase superfamily. Glycogen phosphorylases have been researched in animals thoroughly when compared to plants. Genetic evidence signifies the integral role of plastidial starch phosphorylase (PHO1) in starch biosynthesis in model plants. The counterpart of PHO1 is PHO2, which specifically resides in cytosol and is reported to lack L80 peptide in the middle region of proteins as seen in animal and maltodextrin forms of phosphorylases. The function of this extra peptide varies among species and ranges from the substrate of proteasomes to modulate the degradation of PHO1 in Solanum tuberosum to a non-significant effect on biochemical activity in Oryza sativa and Hordeum vulgare. Various regulatory functions, e.g., phosphorylation, protein–protein interactions, and redox modulation, have been reported to affect the starch phosphorylase functions in higher plants. This review outlines the current findings on the regulation of starch phosphorylase genes and proteins with their possible role in the starch biosynthesis pathway. We highlight the gaps in present studies and elaborate on the molecular mechanisms of phosphorylase in starch metabolism. Moreover, we explore the possible role of PHO1 in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noman Shoaib
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Lun Liu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Asif Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Nishbah Mughal
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Guowu Yu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (Y.H.); Tel.: +86-180-0803-9351 (G.Y.); +86-028-8629-0868 (Y.H.)
| | - Yubi Huang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (N.S.); (L.L.); (N.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: (G.Y.); (Y.H.); Tel.: +86-180-0803-9351 (G.Y.); +86-028-8629-0868 (Y.H.)
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Huang X, Tian T, Chen J, Wang D, Tong B, Liu J. Transcriptome analysis of Cinnamomum migao seed germination in medicinal plants of Southwest China. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:270. [PMID: 34116632 PMCID: PMC8194011 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cinnamomum migao is an endangered evergreen woody plant species endemic to China. Its fruit is used as a traditional medicine by the Miao nationality of China and has a high commercial value. However, its seed germination rate is extremely low under natural and artificial conditions. As the foundation of plant propagation, seed germination involves a series of physiological, cellular, and molecular changes; however, the molecular events and systematic changes occurring during C. migao seed germination remain unclear. RESULTS In this study, combined with the changes in physiological indexes and transcription levels, we revealed the regulation characteristics of cell structures, storage substances, and antioxidant capacity during seed germination. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that abundant smooth and full oil bodies were present in the cotyledons of the seeds. With seed germination, oil bodies and other substances gradually degraded to supply energy; this was consistent with the content of storage substances. In parallel to electron microscopy and physiological analyses, transcriptome analysis showed that 80-90 % of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) appeared after seed imbibition, reflecting important development and physiological changes. The unigenes involved in material metabolism (glycerolipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and starch and sucrose metabolism) and energy supply pathways (pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis pathway, pyruvate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation) were differentially expressed in the four germination stages. Among these DEGs, a small number of genes in the energy supply pathway at the initial stage of germination maintained high level of expression to maintain seed vigor and germination ability. Genes involved in lipid metabolism were firstly activated at a large scale in the LK (seed coat fissure) stage, and then genes involved in carbohydrates (CHO) metabolism were activated, which had their own species specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the transcriptional levels of genes and the sequence of their corresponding metabolic pathways during seed germination. The changes in cell structure and physiological indexes also confirmed these events. Our findings provide a foundation for determining the molecular mechanisms underlying seed germination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Huang
- Department of Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
- Forest Ecology Research Center of Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology & Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), Institute of Agro-bioengineering/College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Jingzhong Chen
- Department of Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
- Forest Ecology Research Center of Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Deng Wang
- Department of Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
- Forest Ecology Research Center of Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Bingli Tong
- Department of Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
- Forest Ecology Research Center of Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiming Liu
- Department of Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China.
- Forest Ecology Research Center of Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China.
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