JOURNAL ARTICLE

GT1 and ZmHB13/VRL1 regulate flower sexual differentiation by modulating jasmonate biosynthesis and signaling in maize.

  • Published In: Plant Physiology, 2025, v. 197, n. 3. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Yuan, Yateng; Ou, Xiaotong; Yao, Minhao; Wang, Pinle; Li, Chunlian; Zhang, Guisen; He, Mengqi; Li, Heying; Xu, Xin; Zhong, Zhuojun; Lu, Yun; Lai, Xiaojun; Zou, Chen; Shen, Jie; Zhang, Tianyu; Liu, Defan; Li, Yaoyao; Wang, Haiyang; Kong, Dexin; Liu, Qing 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the molecular mechanisms by which the homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP) transcription factors Grassy tiller1 (GT1) and ZmHB13 (also known as VRS1-like1, VRL1) regulate sexual differentiation in maize (Zea mays L.) flowers. The study demonstrates that GT1 and ZmHB13/VRL1 synergistically promote carpel abortion in tassel (male) flowers and the lower florets of ear (female) spikelets by directly activating jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis genes ZmLOX3 and ZmOPR7, thereby increasing local JA levels. Additionally, GT1 and ZmHB13/VRL1 interact with JA signaling repressors ZmJAZ4 and ZmJAZ26, releasing JA pathway activators ZmMYC2a and ZmMYC2b to facilitate JA signaling and carpel degeneration. Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate rescues feminized tassel phenotypes in gt1 Zmhb13 double mutants, supporting the role of JA in sex determination. These findings elucidate a regulatory network linking GT1 and ZmHB13/VRL1 to JA biosynthesis and signaling pathways that control unisexual flower development in maize.

Additional Information

  • Source:Plant Physiology. 2025/03, Vol. 197, Issue 3, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Agriculture and Agribusiness
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0032-0889
  • DOI:10.1093/plphys/kiaf075
  • Accession Number:185488738
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