Sucrose transporter2 contributes to maize growth, development, and crop yield
Kristen A Leach1, Thu M Tran1, Thomas L Slewinski2
1Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, Missouri Maize Center, University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211 USA.
Journal of Integrative Plant Biology
|February 17, 2017
Summary
Maize plants use ZmSUT2 to move sucrose from storage to fuel growth. Loss of ZmSUT2 in maize (Zea mays) reduces growth and yield, highlighting its importance in plant development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plants store excess photosynthates, like sucrose, in vacuoles during the day.
- Sucrose is remobilized at night to support plant metabolism and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the maize SUCROSE TRANSPORTER2 (ZmSUT2) protein.
- To determine if ZmSUT2 facilitates sucrose export from the vacuole in maize (Zea mays).
Main Methods:
- Examined spatial and temporal gene expression of ZmSUT2.
- Determined ZmSUT2 protein's subcellular localization using a fluorescent fusion protein.
- Characterized loss-of-function mutations in zmsut2 plants.
Main Results:
- ZmSUT2 mRNA showed ubiquitous expression with diurnal cycling.
- ZmSUT2 protein localized to the tonoplast (vacuolar membrane).
- zmsut2 mutants exhibited reduced growth, smaller reproductive structures, and fewer kernels, with increased sucrose and starch accumulation in leaves.
Conclusions:
- ZmSUT2 facilitates sucrose remobilization from the vacuole for use in growing tissues.
- ZmSUT2 plays a crucial role in maize development and contributes significantly to agronomic yield.
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