A NAC-EXPANSIN module enhances maize kernel size by controlling nucellus elimination

Qin Sun, Yunfu Li, Dianming Gong, Aoqing Hu, Wanshun Zhong, Hailiang Zhao, Qiang Ning, Zengdong Tan, Kun Liang, Luyao Mu, David Jackson, Zuxin Zhang, Fang Yang () and Fazhan Qiu ()
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Qin Sun: Huazhong Agricultural University
Yunfu Li: Huazhong Agricultural University
Dianming Gong: Huazhong Agricultural University
Aoqing Hu: Huazhong Agricultural University
Wanshun Zhong: Huazhong Agricultural University
Hailiang Zhao: Huazhong Agricultural University
Qiang Ning: Huazhong Agricultural University
Zengdong Tan: Huazhong Agricultural University
Kun Liang: Huazhong Agricultural University
Luyao Mu: Huazhong Agricultural University
David Jackson: Huazhong Agricultural University
Zuxin Zhang: Huazhong Agricultural University
Fang Yang: Huazhong Agricultural University
Fazhan Qiu: Huazhong Agricultural University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Maize early endosperm development is initiated in coordination with elimination of maternal nucellar tissues. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we characterize a major quantitative trait locus for maize kernel size and weight that encodes an EXPANSIN gene, ZmEXPB15. The encoded β-expansin protein is expressed specifically in nucellus, and positively controls kernel size and weight by promoting nucellus elimination. We further show that two nucellus-enriched transcription factors (TFs), ZmNAC11 and ZmNAC29, activate ZmEXPB15 expression. Accordingly, these two TFs also promote kernel size and weight through nucellus elimination regulation, and genetic analyses support their interaction with ZmEXPB15. Importantly, hybrids derived from a ZmEXPB15 overexpression line have increased kernel weight, demonstrates its potential value in breeding. Together, we reveal a pathway modulating the cellular processes of maternal nucellus elimination and early endosperm development, and an approach to improve kernel weight.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33513-4

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