Integrative omics approach to identify processes under the control of the maize autophagy system

This is part of an integrative -omics study that aims to identify transcripts, metabolites, and proteins impacted by disruption of the autophagy system. Autophagy is important for nutrient recycling, and Zea mays (maize) mutants disrupting atg12 are phenotypically normal under nitrogen-rich conditions, but exhibit pre-mature senescence under nitrogen-starvation. This study provides evidence for pathways that are under the control of the autophagy system, with the aim of understanding nitrogen-use efficiency and the potential to engineer improved crops.