Maize transcription factor ZmEREB167 negatively regulates starch accumulation and kernel size

Area of Science:

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Maize Genetics
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Transcription factors regulate gene expression in maize kernel development.
• The maize endosperm is vital for starch storage, comprising 90% of mature kernel dry weight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize the function of an endosperm-specific EREB gene, ZmEREB167.
• To investigate ZmEREB167's role in regulating maize endosperm development and nutrient accumulation.

Main Methods:

• Gene identification and knockout (Zmereb167-C1 mutant).
• In situ hybridization for expression analysis.
• Dual-luciferase assays for transcriptional activity.
• RNA-seq and ChIP-seq for transcriptome and target gene analysis.

Main Results:

• ZmEREB167 is an endosperm-specific, nucleus-localized transcription factor.
• ZmEREB167 knockout increases kernel size, weight, starch, and protein content.
• ZmEREB167 acts as a transcriptional repressor, downregulating genes like OPAQUE2, ZmNRT1.1, ZmIAA12, ZmIAA19, and ZmbZIP20.

Conclusions:

• ZmEREB167 negatively regulates maize endosperm development.
• ZmEREB167 influences starch accumulation and kernel size by repressing target genes.