The DNA G-Quadruplex-Stabilizing Ligand TMPyP4 Inhibits Maize Radicle Growth by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species...

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Molecular Biology
• Plant Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• G-quadruplexes (DG4) are DNA secondary structures found in guanine-rich regions.
• While predicted in maize, DG4 functions remain largely uncharacterized.
• DG4s are implicated in regulating DNA replication and transcription.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biological functions of DG4s in maize.
• To explore the effects of DG4-stabilizing ligands on maize radicle growth.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DG4-mediated regulation in maize.

Main Methods:

• Maize seedlings were treated with the DG4-stabilizing ligand TMPyP4 at varying concentrations.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and DNA fragmentation were assessed.
• Transcriptomic RNA-seq and BG4-ChIP-seq were employed to analyze gene expression and DG4 distribution.
• Integrative analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data was performed.

Main Results:

• TMPyP4 treatment inhibited maize radicle growth, increased ROS levels, and induced DNA fragmentation.
• RNA-seq identified 1614 differentially expressed genes, primarily in redox and metabolic pathways.
• BG4-ChIP-seq revealed DG4s are distributed across maize chromosomes at 22,449 loci.
• Integrative analysis linked 944 differentially expressed genes to redox and secondary metabolism pathways.

Conclusions:

• DG4-stabilizing ligands modulate maize radicle growth via ROS homeostasis.
• DG4s play significant roles in regulating gene expression in maize.
• This study provides insights into the functional significance of DG4s in maize development.