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Characterization of factors underlying the metabolic shifts in developing kernels of colored maize.

ABSTRACT: Elucidation of the metabolic pathways determining pigmentation and their underlying regulatory mechanisms in maize kernels is of high importance in attempts to improve the nutritional composition of our food. In this study, we compared dynamics in the transcriptome and metabolome between colored SW93 and white SW48 by integrating RNA-Seq and non-targeted metabolomics. Our data revealed that expression of enzyme coding genes and levels of primary metabolites decreased gradually from 11 to 21 DAP, corresponding well with the physiological change of developing maize kernels from differentiation through reserve accumulation to maturation, which was cultivar independent. A remarkable up-regulation of anthocyanin and phlobaphene pathway distinguished SW93 from SW48, in which anthocyanin regulating transcriptional factors (R1 and C1), enzyme encoding genes involved in both pathways and corresponding metabolic intermediates were up-regulated concurrently in SW93 but not in SW48. The shift from the shikimate pathway of primary metabolism to the flavonoid pathway of secondary metabolism, however, appears to be under posttranscriptional regulation. This study revealed the link between primary metabolism and kernel coloration, which facilitate further study to explore fundamental questions regarding the evolution of seed metabolic capabilities as well as their potential applications in maize improvement regarding both staple and functional foods.

SUBMITTER: Hu C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5064397 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Characterization of factors underlying the metabolic shifts in developing kernels of colored maize.

Hu Chaoyang C Li Quanlin Q Shen Xuefang X Quan Sheng S Lin Hong H Duan Lei L Wang Yifa Y Luo Qian Q Qu Guorun G Han Qing Q Lu Yuan Y Zhang Dabing D Yuan Zheng Z Shi Jianxin J

Scientific reports 20161014

Elucidation of the metabolic pathways determining pigmentation and their underlying regulatory mechanisms in maize kernels is of high importance in attempts to improve the nutritional composition of our food. In this study, we compared dynamics in the transcriptome and metabolome between colored SW93 and white SW48 by integrating RNA-Seq and non-targeted metabolomics. Our data revealed that expression of enzyme coding genes and levels of primary metabolites decreased gradually from 11 to 21 DAP, ...[more]

PMID: 27739524

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Project description:Fusarium verticillioides is a detrimental fungus that can contaminate maize grains with mycotoxins that are harmful to human and animal health. Breeding and growing resistant genotypes is one alternative to reduce contamination and subsequent production of mycotoxins by this fungus. However, little is known about the resistant mechanism relevant to breeding in this pathosystem. Therefore, our aim was to identify genes and metabolites that may be related to Fusarium ear rot resistance using resistant and susceptible maize inbreds. Kernels of the resistant inbred showed significantly reduced disease severity, and reduced levels of total fumonisin and ergosterol content compared with the susceptible one. Gene expression data were obtained from microarray hybridizations using F. verticillioides inoculated and non inoculated maize kernels. Differentially expressed sequences were identified and classified into 36 functional categories. Most of the differentially expressed genes were assigned to the categories “protein, RNA, DNA, stress, transport, signaling and cell metabolism”. These genes encode for PR proteins, detoxification and primary metabolism enzymes. Fungal inoculation did not produce considerable changes in gene expression and metabolites in the resistant L4637 inbred, probably due to a preformed or constitutive resistance mechanism. Defense-related genes were induced or repressed in kernels of the susceptible inbred L4674, responding specifically to the pathogen infection. The qRT-PCR in infected silks showed that glucanase, lipid transfer, xylanase inhibitor, PR1 and 26S proteosome transcripts had higher expression ratios in the susceptible line compared to the resistant one in response to fungal infection. Through this study, a global view of differential genes expressed and metabolites concentration during resistance and susceptibility to F. verticillioides inoculation has been obtained, giving additional information about the mechanisms and pathways conferring resistance to this important disease in maize.

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Characterization of factors underlying the metabolic shifts in developing kernels of colored maize.

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Characterization of factors underlying the metabolic shifts in developing kernels of colored maize.

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