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A natural ZmDGK4 allele accelerates maize grain dehydration via ER-localized phosphatidic acid signaling

ABSTRACT: Excessive grain water content (GWC) at maturity remains a major constraint on mechanized maize harvesting. Here, we fine-map the major quantitative trait locus, qGWC2, and identify its causal gene, ZmDGK4, which encodes an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized diacylglycerol kinase. ZmDGK4 drives the production of unsaturated phosphatidic acid (PA), establishing a lipid-mediated developmental checkpoint that coordinates grain maturation. Notably, the favorable ZmDGK4 allele accelerates grain dehydration through a synergistic effect of elevated expression and an H593P substitution that enhances catalytic activity. Elevated ZmDGK4 activity primes ER proteostasis and sustains abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, thereby enabling a timely transition from grain filling to physical dehydration. In contrast, ZmDGK4 knockout delays this metabolic shift and results in elevated GWC. Importantly, introgression of this favorable natural allele consistently reduces GWC across diverse hybrid backgrounds without compromising yield. Together, these findings reveal a lipid-controlled mechanism that decouples harvest moisture from yield and provide a compelling genetic target for breeding fast-dehydrating maize varieties.

ORGANISM(S): Zea mays

PROVIDER: GSE329265 | GEO | 2026/09/01

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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A natural ZmDGK4 allele accelerates maize grain dehydration via ER-localized phosphatidic acid signaling

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