Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal that starch and sucrose metabolism regulate maize kernel hardness.

ABSTRACT: Maize kernel hardness, largely determined by the structural and compositional characteristics of the endosperm, is a key trait affecting grain quality, milling performance, and storage stability. Although vitreous and starchy endosperms exhibit markedly different physical properties, the underlying metabolic and transcriptional mechanisms-particularly the crosstalk between primary and specialized metabolic pathways-remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we conducted integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, along with cytological observations, to investigate these mechanisms using two contrasting maize inbred lines (D003, vitreous; D009, starchy) at three kernel developmental stages (18, 25, and 32 days after pollination, DAP). Cytological examination revealed that D003

SUBMITTER: Zhou H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12682897 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature