Combined transcriptome, metabolome, and miRNA analysis reveals the genetic regulatory network of sweet corn pericarp thickness.

ABSTRACT: The thickness of the pericarp is a complex characteristic that determines sweet corn's palatability. However, the molecular mechanisms in forming pericarp thickness differences have not been clarified. In this study, we conducted transcriptomics, miRNA analysis, and metabolomics to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the disparity in pericarp thickness is primarily due to variations in the number of cell layers. Our combined multi-omics analysis discovered 6,054 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 73 differentially expressed miRNAs, 113 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), and several key miRNAs, such as zma-miR164, zma-miR166, zma-miR827, and zma-miR171b were identified, which modulate the e

SUBMITTER: Wu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12741122 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature