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Sugar levels modulate sorbitol dehydrogenase expression in maize.

Sylvia Morais de Sousa¹, Mário del Giúdice Paniago, Paulo Arruda

¹Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, CP 6010, 13083-875 Campinas, SP, Brazil. smsousa@ufl.edu

Plant Molecular Biology

|June 21, 2008

Summary

Maize kernels synthesize sorbitol using sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH). This process, regulated by the Sdh1 gene, may help maintain cell energy in high-sugar, low-oxygen environments.

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Area of Science:

Plant Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Maize Genetics

Background:

Sucrose metabolism in maize kernels produces fructose, which can be processed via hexokinase or sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH).
High SDH activity in kernels suggests significant sorbitol synthesis, but its molecular basis and function are unclear.
Understanding sorbitol synthesis is key to elucidating maize kernel physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

To clone and characterize the transcriptional control of the maize sorbitol dehydrogenase (Sdh1) gene.
To investigate the role of sorbitol synthesis in maize endosperm development and function.

Main Methods:

Gene cloning and characterization of the maize Sdh1 gene.
Analysis of Sdh1 gene expression (mRNA and enzyme activity) under various conditions.
Transient assays to study transcriptional control, including the role of the first intron.

Main Results:

Sdh1 expression is specific to maize kernels and endosperm, peaking during early development.
Sdh1 expression is upregulated in high-sugar mutants and by sugar injections.
Expression is enhanced under low oxygen conditions, and transcriptional control is influenced by the Sdh1 first intron.

Conclusions:

Sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in maize kernels is likely an adaptation to high-sugar, low-oxygen conditions.
Sorbitol synthesis may regenerate NAD+ from NADH, aiding cellular redox and energy balance.
The Sdh1 gene's regulation provides insights into metabolic adaptations in developing maize kernels.