Transcriptome analysis of gene expression differences between Opaque2-GFP (O2-GFP) and GFP-expressed maize protoplasts.

The goal of this study is to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Opaque2-GFP (O2-GFP) and GFP-expressed cells through a protoplast transient expression-based RNA-sequencing (PER-seq) technology. The PER-seq is performed as follows: First, the O2-GFP fusion protein and GFP (empty vector) are transiently expressed in maize mesophyll protoplasts, respectively. Second, the successfully transformed cells are visualized by GFP expression, collected, and subjected to transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq. Three replicates were performed for transient expression in protoplasts, RNA preparation, and sequencing analysis.