Mechanism analysis of maize sugar metabolizing gene ZmG6PE in response to low-phosphorus stress. (PRJCA016591)

Studying the molecular mechanisms of low-phosphorus response in maize and increasing yield under low-phosphorus conditions are the foundation for efficient utilization of phosphorus. In previous study, our group conducted the metabolomic analysis in maize under low-phosphorus stress. By combing with the results of genome-wide association study (GWAS) and the yield estimated in a recombination inbred line (RIL) population, a new gene ZmG6PE encoding a glucose-6-phosphate-1-epimerse was mined. It was found that the gene could affect grain starch granule size, hundred-grain weight and leaf senescence through genetic transformation. The metabolomic analysis of the root system of maize knockout lines at seedling stage showed that under low-phosphorus conditions, the knockout of ZmG6PE gene inhibited starch synthesis and promoted sugar catabolism, but it was the opposite under normal-phosphorus conditions. Therefore, in order to study the molecular mechanisms of metabolic and phenotypic changes in leaves and grains mediated by this gene under different phosphorus levels, the molecular mechanisms of ZmG6PE in response to low-phosphorus stress will be further studied by combining with the physiological and biochemical analysis and molecular biology. It will provide theoretical and technical reference for exploring the pathway of sugar metabolism and molecular breeding for efficient utilization of phosphorus.