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Biosynthesis, structure and functionality of starch granules in maize inbred lines with different kernel dehydration
Jianzhou Qu1, Yuyue Zhong2, Li Ding3
1Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Arid Area of Northwest Region, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Maize Engineering Technology Research Centre of Shaanxi Province, Yanglin 712100, Shaanxi, China.
Food Chemistry
|August 21, 2021
Summary
Maize kernel dehydration rate influences starch biosynthesis. Fast dehydration in maize lines correlates with specific starch structures, impacting starch retrogradation, crucial for grain quality.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Kernel dehydration rate is a critical factor influencing maize (Zea mays L.) grain quality.
- Starch biosynthesis pathways are complex and influenced by various genetic and environmental factors.
- Understanding the relationship between kernel dehydration and starch properties is essential for breeding improved maize varieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between kernel starch characteristics and kernel dehydration rates in maize.
- To identify key starch biosynthesis genes associated with differential expression in maize inbred lines with varying dehydration rates.
- To elucidate the impact of kernel moisture content and dehydration rate on starch structure and retrogradation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze the expression of starch biosynthesis-related genes.
- Quantified kernel moisture content and dehydration rates across eight maize inbred lines.
- Analyzed starch composition, including amylose and amylopectin chain lengths (degree of polymerization, DP), and measured starch retrogradation rates.
Main Results:
- Kernel moisture content and dehydration rate were associated with differential expression of most starch biosynthetic genes.
- Kernel moisture content positively correlated with increased expression of SBEI and SBEIIb genes.
- Fast kernel dehydration rates were linked to low molecular weight amylose and reduced content of short amylopectin chains (DP 6-12), which negatively correlated with starch retrogradation.
Conclusions:
- Differential gene expression in starch biosynthesis pathways is linked to kernel dehydration characteristics in maize.
- Maize inbred lines with fast dehydration rates exhibit altered starch structures, potentially due to SBEI and SBEIIb expression patterns.
- Reduced short amylopectin chains (DP 6-12) in fast-dehydrating maize lines contribute to higher short- and long-term starch retrogradation rates.
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