Omics Analysis Revealing Flavonoid Content During Maize Grain Germination

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biochemistry
• Plant Physiology

Background:

• Germination activates secondary metabolism in plants.
• Flavonoids are crucial secondary metabolites with various health benefits.
• Maize (corn) is a globally important cereal crop.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of germination on flavonoid profiles in maize grains.
• To analyze the associated metabolic and genetic changes during maize germination.
• To understand how germination affects the nutritional and functional properties of maize.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combined metabolomics and transcriptomics approach.
• Analyzed maize grains at three distinct germination stages.
• Quantified and identified various classes of flavonoid compounds.

Main Results:

• Detected 374 metabolites in total, including anthocyanins, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, and isoflavones.
• Identified 16 specific flavonoid metabolites linked to 4 KEGG pathways and 40 genes.
• Observed significant alterations in flavonoid content and related gene expression during germination.

Conclusions:

• Maize grain germination substantially enriches flavonoid content.
• Integrated omics analysis highlights the genetic basis for enhanced flavonoid production.
• Germination is a promising treatment for improving the nutritional and functional quality of maize kernels.