Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Agrobacterium-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation of Recalcitrant Maize Inbred Lines Using Morphogenic Genes
Published on: February 14, 2020
Transactivation of AGPL2 by Opaque2 is responsible for starch accumulation and kernel hardness in sweet corn
Jianjian Chen1, Bin Wang2, Xiaolong Chen1
1Institute of Maize and Featured Upland Crops, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dongyang, Zhejiang 322100, China.
Abstract:
Kernel hardness is an important indicator of quality in sweet corn (Zea mays subsp. saccharata), but the mechanism underlying its regulation remains poorly understood. In this study, we determined that the starch and protein composition of the endosperm was positively correlated with kernel hardness. AGPL2, encoding a subunit of AGPase, was differentially expressed in the endosperm of different cultivars and was responsible for residual AGPase activity and starch biosynthesis. We found that Opaque2 (O2), a key regulatory transcriptional factor for endosperm development, directly binds to the promoter of AGPL2 and activates its expression, resulting in the accumulation of starch. Taken together, our results reveal a novel mechanism whereby the O2-AGPL2 module participates in regulation of kernel hardness in sweet corn.
More Related Videos
10:29Measuring Gene Expression in Bombarded Barley Aleurone Layers with Increased Throughput
Published on: March 30, 2018
09:21Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.
Published on: February 15, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
Transgenic Plants
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
Gene Regulation During Sporulation
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Cell Signaling in Plants