Maize unstable factor for orange1 encodes a nuclear protein that affects redox accumulation during kernel...

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Kernel Development

Background:

• The basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels facilitates nutrient transport.
• Understanding BETL development is key to improving kernel nutrition and yield.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the unstable factor for orange1 (Zmufo1) gene in maize BETL development.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Zmufo1 function in kernel development.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of two Zmufo1 mutant alleles in maize.
• In vitro kernel culture with antioxidant supplementation.
• Transcriptome analysis and epigenetic profiling (histone methylation).
• Yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation assays for protein interactions.

Main Results:

• Zmufo1 mutants exhibit BETL defects, increased reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and cell death.
• Antioxidant treatment rescues cellular defects in Zmufo1 mutants.
• Transcriptome analysis reveals altered pathways including the tricarboxylic acid cycle and redox homeostasis.
• Mutants show altered chromatin structure (sparse heterochromatin) and reduced histone methylation.
• ZmUFO1 interacts with proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, nuclear transport, and transcription.

Conclusions:

• Zmufo1 plays a critical role in maize basal endosperm development.
• ZmUFO1 regulates BETL development through mechanisms involving redox homeostasis and epigenetic modifications.
• ZmUFO1 interacts with key cellular machinery, highlighting its multifaceted role in kernel development.