Nitrogen-dependent binding of the transcription factor PBF1 contributes to the balance of protein and carbohydrate storage in maize endosperm.

ABSTRACT: Fluctuations in nitrogen (N) availability influence protein and starch levels in maize (Zea mays) seeds, yet the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we report that N limitation impacted the expression of many key genes in N and carbon (C) metabolism in the developing endosperm of maize. Notably, the promoter regions of those genes were enriched for P-box sequences, the binding motif of the transcription factor prolamin-box binding factor 1 (PBF1). Loss of PBF1 altered accumulation of starch and proteins in endosperm. Under different N conditions, PBF1 protein levels remained stable but PBF1 bound different sets of target genes, especially genes related to the biosynthesis and accumulation of N and C storage products. Upon N-starvation, the absence of PBF1 from the promoters

SUBMITTER: Ning L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9806651 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature