RNA sequencing of maize FDL1 mutants

In higher plants, the outer surface of the aerial parts is covered by the cuticle, a complex lipid layer that constitutes a barrier against damages caused by environmental factors and provides protection against non-stomatal water loss. We show in this study that cuticle deposition, during the juvenile phase of in maize (Zea mays) plant development, and cuticle-dependent leaf permeability are controlled by the MYB transcription factor ZmMYB94/FUSED LEAVES1(ZmFDL1). Transcriptome analysis allowed the identification of a set of maize candidate genes involved in lipid metabolism and the definition of a proposed pathway for cuticle biosynthesis in maize. Lack of ZmFDL1 affects the expression activities of genes located in different modules of the pathway and correspondence between gene transcriptional variations and biochemical defects will be discussed. Overall design: RNAseq of WT and mutants. 3 biological replicates for each condition