Toward unveiling transcriptome dynamics and regulatory modules at the maternal/filial interface of developing maize kernel.
Plant J
; 118(6): 2124-2140, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38551088
ABSTRACT
The basal region of maize (Zea mays) kernels, which includes the pedicel, placenta-chalazal, and basal endosperm transfer layers, serves as the maternal/filial interface for nutrient transfer from the mother plant to the developing seed. However, transcriptome dynamics of this maternal/filial interface remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, we conducted high-temporal-resolution RNA sequencing of the basal and upper kernel regions between 4 and 32 days after pollination and deeply analyzed transcriptome dynamics of the maternal/filial interface. Utilizing 790 specifically and highly expressed genes in the basal region, we performed the gene ontology (GO) term and weighted gene co-expression network analyses. In the early-stage basal region, we identified five MADS-box transcription factors (TFs) as hubs. Their homologs have been demonstrated as pivotal regulators at the maternal/filial interface of rice or Arabidopsis, suggesting their potential roles in maize kernel development. In the filling-stage basal region, numerous GO terms associated with transcriptional regulation and transporters are significantly enriched. Furthermore, we investigated the molecular function of three hub TFs. Through genome-wide DNA affinity purification sequencing combined with promoter transactivation assays, we suggested that these three TFs act as regulators of 10 basal-specific transporter genes involved in the transfer of sugars, amino acids, and ions. This study provides insights into transcriptomic dynamic and regulatory modules of the maternal/filial interface. In the future, genetic investigation of these hub regulators must advance our understanding of maternal/filial interface development and function.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteínas de Plantas
/
Sementes
/
Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas
/
Zea mays
/
Transcriptoma
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Plant J
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
BOTANICA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China