Dynamic and cell-type specific transcriptional reprogramming underlies the floral transition in the maize shoot apical meristem - PubMed
7 hours ago
- #Transcriptomics
- #Maize
- #Floral transition
- The floral transition in maize is a critical developmental switch affecting flowering time, environmental adaptation, and yield-related traits.
- The study integrates bulk RNA-seq, single-cell transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility, and transcription factor binding profiles to understand the maize shoot apical meristem floral transition.
- Global transcriptional reprogramming occurs during the floral transition, with pathways related to chromatin remodeling, environmental response, and reproductive development being sequentially activated.
- A regulatory module involving ZmMADS69-ZmRap2.7-ZMM4 fine-tunes the floral transition within the shoot apical meristem.
- Single-cell resolution analysis reveals that the floral transition is driven by coordinated action of spatially distinct shoot apical meristem domains rather than a uniform transcriptional switch.
- Inflorescence regulators UNBRANCHED2 and UNBRANCHED3 are identified as playing roles in promoting the floral transition, linking floral induction with subsequent inflorescence development.
- The study provides a comprehensive spatiotemporal regulatory framework for the maize floral transition, offering insights into shoot apical meristem reprogramming and potential targets for improving maize adaptation and yield.