ZmSSRP1, transactivated by OPAQUE11, positively regulates starch biosynthesis in maize endosperm.

ABSTRACT: Starch synthesis is crucial for crop yield and quality. This study reveals an O11-ZmSSRP1 module of kernel starch biosynthesis in maize (Zea mays). We identify STARCH SYNTHESIS REGULATING PROTEIN 1 (ZmSSRP1) positively regulates amylose and amylopectin-dependent starch synthesis in maize endosperm. ZmSSRP1 encodes a highly conserved plastid-localized protein that is highly expressed in developing endosperm. Loss-of-function zmssrp1 mutants created by CRISPR/Cas9 exhibit much smaller starch granules and significantly reduced amylose and amylopectin synthesis, while overexpression of ZmSSRP1 causes larger starch granules and an increased amylose and amylopectin accumulation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the expression levels of several genes involved in the synthesis of amylose and amylope

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12392955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature