Dek42 encodes an RNA-binding protein that affects alternative pre-mRNA splicing and maize kernel development

Area of Science:

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Gene Regulation

Background:

• RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, but their roles in plants are not fully understood.
• Maize kernel development is essential for agriculture, yet the molecular mechanisms controlling it are complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of the RNA-binding protein DEK42 in maize kernel development.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of DEK42 on gene expression and splicing.

Main Methods:

• Cloning of the dek42 gene using Mutator tag isolation and CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression changes in the dek42 mutant.
• Yeast two-hybrid assays to identify DEK42 interacting proteins.

Main Results:

• The dek42 mutation leads to small, defective maize kernels and lethal seedlings.
• DEK42 protein is localized to the nucleus and its mutation significantly alters the expression of thousands of genes.
• The dek42 mutation affects alternative splicing, particularly U12-type intron retention, and interacts with spliceosome components like SF3a1 and U1-70K.

Conclusions:

• DEK42 is a novel RBP essential for maize kernel development.
• DEK42 regulates pre-messenger RNA splicing through interactions with spliceosome components.
• This study provides critical insights into alternative splicing regulation during maize kernel development.