Genome‑wide analysis of the maize CK1 family and functional characterization of ZmCK1-8 in modulating root architecture and nitrate‑responsive physiological traits under low‑nitrogen conditions

Genome-Wide Identification of the Maize TALE Gene Family and Their Expression Analysis Under Low-Phosphorus Response in Maize (Zea mays L.)

A comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the maize TALE gene family were conducted using bioinformatics approaches, followed by an investigation of their transcriptional responses to low-phosphorus (LP) stress, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary characteristics and potential biological functions.

Genome-Wide Identification of the Maize ARR-B Gene Family and Expression Analysis Response to Low-Phosphorus in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Cytokinin signaling is essential for plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. As key transcription factors in this pathway, type-B response regulators (ARR-Bs) activate the expression of primary cytokinin-responsive genes. However, the systematic identification of the ARR-B family in maize and its functional roles in responses to phosphorus (P) nutritional stress remain largely unclear. In this study, the maize ARR-B (ZmARR-B) transcription factor family was systematically identified and comprehensively characterized at the genome-wide level. A total of 12 ZmARR-B genes were identified and comprehensively characterized in terms of chromosomal localization, physicochemical properties, protein structure, phylogenetic relationships, gene organization, conserved motifs, promoter cis-regulatory elements, and collinearity. Based on systematic measurements of leaf inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentrations in 70 maize inbred lines from southwestern China, the lines 082, B73, and Ye107 were selected as representative materials. By integrating long-term (14 d) and short-term (0.5–12 h) low-P treatments with transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR validation, we systematically characterized the expression dynamics of ZmARR-B family members under P deficiency. The results showed that ZmARR-B genes exhibited markedly differentiated low-P-responsive expression patterns among distinct genetic backgrounds. ZmARR-B03 was transiently induced during the early phase of low-P treatment (0–6 h), followed by a rapid decline in transcript abundance. This characteristic pulse-like expression pattern suggests that ZmARR-B03 may function as a rapid-response regulator during early P-starvation signal transduction. In contrast, ZmARR-B06 exhibited sustained transcriptional upregulation throughout the low-P treatment period, suggesting a potential role in long-term adaptive regulation under P-deficient conditions. Notably, the number of low-P-responsive ZmARR-B members was significantly greater in the P-efficient inbred line 082 than in the P-sensitive line Ye107, indicating that ZmARR-B-mediated P-starvation responses are strongly genotype dependent. This study provides an important foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which cytokinin signaling, through type-B ARRs, regulates phosphate nutritional adaptation in maize. It also identifies potential candidate genes for the genetic improvement of P-efficient maize germplasm.

Genome-wide identi fi cation and characterization of the ZmBED gene family in maize and its putative roles in drought adaptation via rhizosheath formation

Genome-Wide Identification of ZmIQM Gene Family and Their Roles in ABA-Mediated Seed Germination in Arabidopsis

Genome-wide Identification of CXE Gene Family in Soybean and Functional Characterization of GmCXE31 in Lipid Biosynthesis and Salt Tolerance.

This study elucidates the multifaceted roles of GmCXE31 in coordinating soybean salt tolerance, lipid metabolism and agronomic traits, providing theoretical and genetic resources for salt-tolerant and high-quality soybean molecular breeding.

Genome-Wide Identification of SNF7 Gene Family in Maize and Potential Roles in Response to Abiotic and Biotic Stress

Sucrose non-fermenting protein 7 (SNF7) is a core operator of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport III (ESCRT-III) component mediating protein sorting and degradation. To date, the SNF7 gene family remains poorly characterized in plants, particularly in maize (Zea mays L.). Here, we integrated bioinformatic and transcriptomic analyses to systematically characterize the ZmSNF7 gene family and its regulatory potential in stress responses. In total, 20 ZmSNF7 genes were identified genome-wide and classified into three phylogenetic clades, with conserved motifs and similar tertiary structures within the same clade. Abundant hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements were detected in their promoters. Protein interaction prediction indicated ZmSNF7 proteins interact with intra-family members and other ESCRT components. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested ZmSNF7s are primarily involved in endomembrane system organization and vesicular trafficking. Transcriptomic data revealed divergent ZmSNF7 expression patterns under drought, Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection, Colletotrichum graminicola (C. graminicola) inoculation and Asian corn borer (ACB) infestation. Collectively, this study comprehensively characterized the ZmSNF7 gene family and broadened our functional understanding of ZmSNF7 in mediating plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.