A NAC-EXPANSIN module enhances maize kernel size by controlling nucellus elimination.
Nat Commun
; 13(1): 5708, 2022 09 29.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36175574
ABSTRACT
Maize early endosperm development is initiated in coordination with elimination of maternal nucellar tissues. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we characterize a major quantitative trait locus for maize kernel size and weight that encodes an EXPANSIN gene, ZmEXPB15. The encoded ß-expansin protein is expressed specifically in nucellus, and positively controls kernel size and weight by promoting nucellus elimination. We further show that two nucellus-enriched transcription factors (TFs), ZmNAC11 and ZmNAC29, activate ZmEXPB15 expression. Accordingly, these two TFs also promote kernel size and weight through nucellus elimination regulation, and genetic analyses support their interaction with ZmEXPB15. Importantly, hybrids derived from a ZmEXPB15 overexpression line have increased kernel weight, demonstrates its potential value in breeding. Together, we reveal a pathway modulating the cellular processes of maternal nucellus elimination and early endosperm development, and an approach to improve kernel weight.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Zea mays
/
Melhoramento Vegetal
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article