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ZmDRL1 regulates maize leaf angle via phytohormone signaling
Jianwen Bian1,2,3, Xiangzhuo Ji1,2,3, Zelong Zhuang1,2,3
1College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
Plant Cell Reports
|April 21, 2026
Summary
ZmDRL1 regulates maize leaf angle by influencing cell growth in the pulvinus region, potentially via hormone pathways and ARF2 interaction. This offers targets for improving maize plant architecture and yield.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Leaf angle is crucial for maize plant architecture, affecting light capture and grain yield.
- Understanding the genetic basis of leaf angle regulation is essential for crop improvement.
- Limited genes controlling maize leaf angle have been functionally characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize ZmDRL1, a maize gene potentially involved in leaf angle regulation.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ZmDRL1's role in maize leaf development.
- To identify ZmDRL1 interacting proteins and associated regulatory pathways.
Main Methods:
- Gene characterization of ZmDRL1, including expression analysis and subcellular localization.
- Generation and analysis of ZmDRL1 loss-of-function and knockout mutants.
- Yeast two-hybrid screening to identify interacting proteins.
- Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to explore associated pathways.
Main Results:
- ZmDRL1 loss-of-function mutants showed increased leaf angles and enlarged pulvinus cells.
- ZmDRL1 is localized to the nucleus and expressed in various maize tissues.
- Identified 16 candidate ZmDRL1-interacting proteins and enriched pathways related to hormone signaling.
Conclusions:
- ZmDRL1 is implicated in maize leaf angle regulation, likely through phytohormone pathways (IAA, ABA, SA) and interaction with ARF2.
- ZmDRL1 influences cell growth and development in the pulvinus region, impacting leaf angle.
- This study provides insights into maize leaf angle genetics and potential targets for breeding improved plant architecture.
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