Analysis of exogenous BR mediated leaf angle regulatory network in maize-based on transcriptome and WGCNA

Maize leaf angle is an important characteristic affecting high density planting, and it is also an important indicator for maize plant type selection to improve yield. Brassinosteroid can promote the growth and development of plant leaf angle. In this study, we used self-line B73 as material to analyze the transcriptome of leaf cushion after BR treatment at the seedling stage. Analysis of differentially expressed genes found that the expression of genes related to cell volume was up regulated, and the expression of genes related to cell division was down-regulated. It is speculated that exogenous BR regulates the size of maize leaf angle by regulating cell volume and cell division, and constructed a molecular mechanism model of maize response to exogenous BR. Molecular mechanism model of exogenous BR through WGCNA analysis of differentially expressed genes, two gene modules related to changes in maize leaf angle were identified. The results can provide a theoretical basis for determining the mechanism of exogenous BR regulates maize.