ZmEREB92 plays a negative role in seed germination by regulating ethylene signaling and starch mobilization in maize

by Jingye Fu, Wenzheng Pei, Linqian He, Ben Ma, Chen Tang, Li Zhu, Liping Wang, Yuanyuan Zhong, Gang Chen, Qi Wang, Qiang Wang

Rapid and uniform seed germination is required for modern cropping system. Thus, it is important to optimize germination performance through breeding strategies in maize, in which identification for key regulators is needed. Here, we characterized an AP2/ERF transcription factor, ZmEREB92, as a negative regulator of seed germination in maize. Enhanced germination inereb92 mutants is contributed by elevated ethylene signaling and starch degradation. Consistently, an ethylene signaling geneZmEIL7 and an α-amylase geneZmAMYa2 are identified as direct targets repressed by ZmEREB92.OsERF74, the rice ortholog ofZmEREB92, shows conserved function in negatively regulating seed germination in rice. Importantly, this orthologous gene pair is likely experienced convergently selection during maize and rice domestication. Besides, mutation ofZmEREB92 andOsERF74 both lead to enhanced germination under cold condition, suggesting their regulation on seed germination might be coupled with temperature sensitivity. Collectively, our findings uncovered the ZmEREB92-mediated regulatory mechanism of seed germination in maize and provide breeding targets for maize and rice to optimize seed germination performance towards changing climates.

Source: PLoS Genetics - November 17, 2023 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Jingye Fu Source Type: research