The ZmNF-YC1–ZmAPRG pathway modulates low phosphorus tolerance in maize.

This article focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanism by which the ZmNF-YC1–ZmAPRG pathway modulates low phosphate (P) tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.). The study identifies ZmNF-YC1, a Nuclear Factor Y subunit C1 transcription factor, as an upstream positive regulator of the P efficiency gene ZmAPRG, with ZmNF-YC1 forming heterotrimeric complexes with ZmNF-YB14 and ZmNF-YA4/10 to activate ZmAPRG expression under low inorganic phosphorus conditions. Overexpression of ZmNF-YC1 and ZmAPRG enhances maize tolerance to low P by regulating lipid composition—specifically increasing non-phospholipids like monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) while decreasing phospholipids—and improving photosynthetic capacity, which collectively maintain plant growth and increase grain yield under P-deficient conditions. These findings reveal a novel transcriptional regulatory module with potential applications in breeding maize varieties adapted to low phosphate availability.