ZmDWF1 regulates leaf angle in maize

Leaf angle (LA) is a critical agronomic trait enhancing grain yield under high-density planting in maize. A number of researches have been conducted in recent years to investigate the quantitative trait loci/genes responsible for LA variation, while only a few genes were identified through map-based cloning. Here we cloned the ZmDWF1 gene, which was previously reported to encode & UDelta;24-sterol reductase in the brassinosteroids (BRs) biosynthesis pathway. Overexpression of ZmDWF1 resulted in enlarged LA, indicating that ZmDWF1 is a positive regulator of LA in maize. To reveal the regulatory framework of ZmDWF1, we conducted RNA-Sequencing and yeast-two hybrid (Y2H) screening analysis. RNA-Sequencing analyzing results indicate ZmDWF1 mainly affected expression level of genes involved in cell wall associated metabolism and hormone metabolism including BR, gibberellin, and auxin. Y2H screening with Bi-FC assay confirmed three proteins (ZmPP2C-1, ZmROF1, and ZmTWD1) interacting with ZmDWF1. We revealed a new regulatory network of ZmDWF1 gene in controlling plant architecture in maize.

Automated summary

Leaf angle (LA) is a critical agronomic trait for high-yield maize production, with ZmDWF1 gene identified as a positive regulator of LA involved in brassinosteroids biosynthesis pathway. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that ZmDWF1 mainly affects genes related to cell wall and hormone metabolism, while Yeast-two hybrid screening revealed interactions between ZmDWF1 and three proteins, suggesting a new regulatory network in controlling plant architecture in maize.