Maize Dek407 Encodes the Nitrate Transporter 1.5 and Is Required for Kernel Development
Hongqiu Wang1,2,3, Xiaolan Yan2,3, Qingguo Du1
1National Engineering Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 23, 2023
Summary
A maize mutant, defective kernel 407 (dek407), shows smaller kernels due to altered indole-3-acetic acid levels. This nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family gene offers a target for improving maize yield.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Maize Genetics
- Crop Physiology
Background:
- Maize kernel development is vital for crop yield and quality.
- Understanding its genetic control is crucial for agricultural advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of defective kernel development in maize.
- To identify genes regulating kernel size, weight, and grain filling.
Main Methods:
- Ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis to generate mutants.
- Positional cloning and allelism tests to identify the causal gene.
- Transcriptome analysis and phytohormone measurements.
Main Results:
- A mutant, defective kernel 407 (dek407), displayed reduced kernel size, weight, and delayed grain filling.
- Dek407 encodes a nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF) protein, identified as an allele of miniature 2 (mn2).
- Dek407 mutation significantly reduced indole-3-acetic acid content by 66%, impacting phytohormone signaling and gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Dek407 plays a critical role in maize kernel development, likely through regulating indole-3-acetic acid levels.
- Natural variations in Dek407 are linked to kernel size and weight.
- Dek407 represents a promising target gene for enhancing maize yield and quality.
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