zma-miR159 targets ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138 transcription factors to regulate grain size and weight in maize.
Authors: Wang Qiyue, Wan Jiong, Dang Kuntai, Meng Shujun, Hu Desheng, Lin Yuan, Qiu Xiaoqian, Guo Zhanyong, Fu Zhiyuan, Ding Dong, Tang Jihua
Journal: Plant physiology (Plant Physiol), Vol.193(4), 2023‑Nov‑22
DOI:
10.1093/plphys/kiad455
Abstract
Endosperm cell number is critical in determining grain size in maize (Zea mays). Here, zma-miR159 overexpression led to enlarged grains in independent transgenic lines, suggesting that zma-miR159 contributes positively to maize grain size. Targeting of ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138 transcription factor genes by zma-miR159 was validated using 5' RACE and dual-luciferase assay. Lines in which ZmMYB74 was knocked out using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) presented a similar enlarged grain phenotype as those with zma-miR159 overexpression. Downstream genes regulating cell division were identified through DNA affinity purification sequencing using ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138. Our results suggest that zma-miR159-ZmMYB modules act as an endosperm development hub, participating in the division and proliferation of endosperm cells.
Publication Types
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Grant Support
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (): 31871641
- open funds of the State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (): ZW202001
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