Global transcriptome reveals hub genes controlling maize seed development and seed size/weight determination

To understand the mechanism controlling seed size and weight in maize, RNA-seq was performed in seven seed developmental stages of two varieties Zhengdan1002 and Zhengdan958, their four parental lines, and other two F1 hybrids. We dissected these data to reveal transcriptome dynamics between the two commercial varieties during seven seed developmental stages. With the aid of DNA resequencing technology, we analyzed the genomic variation of their four parents Zheng58, Zheng588, Chang7-2, and ZhengH71, and explored their difference in genome and transcriptome level. In addition, we identified co-expression modules and hub genes that determine seed size/weight in maize.