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.
Highlights
The chloroplasts of higher plants are believed to have originated from aquatic single-celled cyanobacteria more than 2.5 billion years ago [1,2,3]
The predicted molecular weights (MW) of ZmG proteins range from 16.68 kDa to 59.22 kDa, while their lengths range from 145 to 554 amino acids
In this study, 59 Golden 2-like (G2-like) genes were identified in maize and a same set of G2-like gene was identified in GRASSIUS database ever (S3 Text)
Summary
The chloroplasts of higher plants are believed to have originated from aquatic single-celled cyanobacteria more than 2.5 billion years ago [1,2,3]. Chloroplasts contain the green pigment chlorophyll and are responsible for the light-powered reactions of photosynthesis, upon which essentially all life depends [2,3,4]. Recent studies supported the view that chloroplasts were derived from a primary endosymbiotic event involving such cyanobacteria [5,6,7,8]. The regulation of chloroplast biogenesis involves cooperation between the nucleus and chloroplast. Plastids play a variety of roles in addition to functioning in photosynthesis, including roles in the synthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, purine and pyrimidine bases, terpenoids and PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0161763. Plastids play a variety of roles in addition to functioning in photosynthesis, including roles in the synthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, purine and pyrimidine bases, terpenoids and PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0161763 August 25, 2016
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
