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

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

Genome-wide identification and comprehensive characterization of the Aux/IAA gene family in Cucurbita moschata and its responses analysis to abiotic stresses

This study systematically characterized the Aux/IAA gene family in pumpkin, highlighting its evolutionary diversity, structural conservation, and distinct regulatory features and inform the potential roles of CmIAA genes in abiotic stress responses.

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 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

A novel component of the maize nitrogen-signaling network is uncovered and provide a candidate gene for further functional studies on low-nitrogen adaptation in maize.

Genome-Wide Identification and Stress Response Analysis of the GATA Gene Family in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

This study elucidates the evolutionary conservation and functional diversity of the eggplant GATA family, providing valuable candidate genes for future functional research and stress-tolerant molecular breeding in eggplant.