{"title":"Phenotypic characterization and genetic mapping of the semi-dwarf mutant sdw9 in maize.","authors":"Jiawen Zhao, Baiyu Yuan, Hao Zhang, Xiao Guo, Liangfa Wang, Xiaoqian Qiu, QianKun Xie, Liqin Mu, Chenhui Ma, Teng Zhou, Javed Hussain, Xiaoyang Chen, Xuehai Zhang, Dong Ding, Jiong Wan, Jihua Tang","doi":"10.1007/s00122-024-04762-2","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Key message: </strong>In summary, we characterized a maize semi-dwarf mutant, sdw9, and successfully isolated the responsible gene, which encodes a GRAS protein, through a combination of map-based cloning and Re-sequencing (Re-seq). Our findings demonstrate that the candidate gene ZmGRAS42 regulates BR signaling genes, thereby influencing internode development. This regulatory function likely involves processes such as cell division, cell cycle regulation and cell wall synthesis. Favorable variations of ZmGRAS42 identified in this study may hold promise for the development of lodging-resistant maize cultivars suitable for high-density planting, contributing to the improvement of maize breeding programs. Plant height and lateral root angle are crucial determinants of plant architecture in maize (Zea mays) which are closely related to lodging resistance at high planting density. These traits are intricately regulated by various phytohormones. Mutations affecting hormone biosynthesis and signaling often lead to reduced yield alongside diminished plant height, posing challenges in breeding dwarf maize varieties. In this study, the maize mutant sdw9 was characterized, which displays shorter stature and altered lateral root angle compared to WT, while showing potential to increase planting density and improve overall yield despite a slight reduction in single-ear yield. Employing positional cloning coupled with Re-seq techniques, we pinpointed a transposon insertion in the candidate gene ZmGRAS42, which encodes a GRAS transcription factor involved in BR signaling in maize. Transcriptome analysis revealed that ZmGRAS42 orchestrates the expression of several known dwarfing genes such as D8, Br2, and Na2, along with genes associated with cell wall organization, cell division, and cell cycle regulation, notably Cesa4, Cesa7, and Cyc11. Furthermore, identification of favorable ZmGRAS42 haplotypes linked to reduced plant height offers novel avenues for maize breeding strategies. These findings not only hold the potential for enhancing maize lodging resistance but also for optimizing land utilization through high-density planting practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":22955,"journal":{"name":"Theoretical and Applied Genetics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Theoretical and Applied Genetics","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-024-04762-2","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"AGRONOMY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Key message: In summary, we characterized a maize semi-dwarf mutant, sdw9, and successfully isolated the responsible gene, which encodes a GRAS protein, through a combination of map-based cloning and Re-sequencing (Re-seq). Our findings demonstrate that the candidate gene ZmGRAS42 regulates BR signaling genes, thereby influencing internode development. This regulatory function likely involves processes such as cell division, cell cycle regulation and cell wall synthesis. Favorable variations of ZmGRAS42 identified in this study may hold promise for the development of lodging-resistant maize cultivars suitable for high-density planting, contributing to the improvement of maize breeding programs. Plant height and lateral root angle are crucial determinants of plant architecture in maize (Zea mays) which are closely related to lodging resistance at high planting density. These traits are intricately regulated by various phytohormones. Mutations affecting hormone biosynthesis and signaling often lead to reduced yield alongside diminished plant height, posing challenges in breeding dwarf maize varieties. In this study, the maize mutant sdw9 was characterized, which displays shorter stature and altered lateral root angle compared to WT, while showing potential to increase planting density and improve overall yield despite a slight reduction in single-ear yield. Employing positional cloning coupled with Re-seq techniques, we pinpointed a transposon insertion in the candidate gene ZmGRAS42, which encodes a GRAS transcription factor involved in BR signaling in maize. Transcriptome analysis revealed that ZmGRAS42 orchestrates the expression of several known dwarfing genes such as D8, Br2, and Na2, along with genes associated with cell wall organization, cell division, and cell cycle regulation, notably Cesa4, Cesa7, and Cyc11. Furthermore, identification of favorable ZmGRAS42 haplotypes linked to reduced plant height offers novel avenues for maize breeding strategies. These findings not only hold the potential for enhancing maize lodging resistance but also for optimizing land utilization through high-density planting practices.
期刊介绍:
Theoretical and Applied Genetics publishes original research and review articles in all key areas of modern plant genetics, plant genomics and plant biotechnology. All work needs to have a clear genetic component and significant impact on plant breeding. Theoretical considerations are only accepted in combination with new experimental data and/or if they indicate a relevant application in plant genetics or breeding. Emphasizing the practical, the journal focuses on research into leading crop plants and articles presenting innovative approaches.