A spatiotemporal transcriptomic network dynamically modulates stalk development in maize

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Genomics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Maize stalk development is crucial for lodging resistance and high-density planting.
• Understanding the spatiotemporal regulation of maize stalk growth is essential for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the spatiotemporal dynamics and regulatory networks governing maize stalk development.
• To identify candidate genes influencing stalk length and thickness.

Main Methods:

• Spatiotemporally resolved transcriptomics of developing maize stalks.
• Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct regulatory networks.
• CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for functional validation.

Main Results:

• Identified four distinct developmental zones and nine gene expression clusters within maize internodes.
• Constructed fine-resolution transcriptional regulatory networks.
• Validated the role of a cytochrome P450 gene (ZmD1) in regulating stalk dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Maize stalk development involves complex genetic regulation.
• Identified key genes and modules for stalk length and thickness, providing resources for maize genetic improvement.