Molecular Evolution and Genetic Variation of G2-Like Transcription Factor Genes in Maize

Abstract

The productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) depends on the development of chloroplasts, and G2-like transcription factors play a central role in regulating chloroplast development. In this study, we identified 59 G2-like genes in the B73 maize genome and systematically analyzed these genes at the molecular and evolutionary levels. Based on gene structure character, motif compositions and phylogenetic analysis, maize G2-like genes (ZmG1- ZmG59) were divided into seven groups (I-VII). By synteny analysis, 18 collinear gene pairs and strongly conserved microsyntny among regions hosting G2-like genes across maize and sorghum were found. Here, we showed that the vast majority of ZmG gene duplications resulted from whole genome duplication events rather than tandem duplications. After gene duplication events, some ZmG genes were silenced. The functions of G2-like genes were multifarious and most genes that are expressed in green tissues may relate to maize photosynthesis. The qRT-PCR showed that the expression of these genes was sensitive to low temperature and drought. Furthermore, we analyzed differences of ZmGs specific to cultivars in temperate and tropical regions at the population level. Interestingly, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed that nucleotide polymorphism associated with different temperature zones. Above all, G2-like genes were highly conserved during evolution, but polymorphism could be caused due to a different geographical location. Moreover, G2-like genes might be related to cold and drought stresses.

Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the green and white parts of chimeric leaves in Ananas comosus var. bracteatus

“…Leaves of albino mutants have been associated with significantly lower chlorophyll and carotenoid contents than wild-type leaves (Liu et al., 2016a; Liu et al., 2016b). In our study, Chl and carotenoid contents were significantly different between Whs and Grs (Table 1), with Grs having approximately 16 and 17 times that in Whs, respectively.…”

“…Many albino mutants have been reported to be impaired in chloroplast differentiation and development (Nien et al., 2007). The Golden2-like (GLK ) gene family regulates chloroplast development in both corn (Liu et al., 2016a; Liu et al., 2016b) and Arabidopsis thaliana (Fitter et al., 2002). Additionally, the Ftsz gene family has been shown to be essential for chloroplast division in higher plants.…”

Genome-Wide Analysis of the G2-Like Transcription Factor Genes and Their Expression in Different Senescence Stages of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

“…The GLK gene family has been identified and characterized in several plant species, including maize (Zea mays L.) (Liu et al, 2016) and tomato (Liu, 2018). However, the GLK gene family has not been thoroughly examined in tobacco, to the best of our knowledge.…”

Analysis of differentially expressed genes in soybean leaf tissue of tolerant and susceptible cultivars under flooding stress revealed by RNA sequencing

“…The numbers of up-regulated G2-like TF were higher in 'Paldalkong ' (16) and 'Danbaekkong' (12) than in 'NTS1116' (7). Tahmasebi et al (2019) implied that G2-like TFs contributed to enhance abiotic tolerance in tobacco since they participated in the formation and development of chloroplast (Liu et al 2016).…”