biostudies-literatureXie Xthe National Natural Science Foundation of China1209https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11656746biostudies-literatureUnknown24(1)<h4>Background</h4>Maize is a major feed and industrial crop and pivotal for ensuring global food security. In light of global warming and climate change, improving maize tolerance to water deficit is crucial. Identification and functional analysis of drought tolerance genes have potential practical importance in understanding the molecular mechanisms of drought stress.<h4>Results</h4>Here, we identified a maize Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper I, ZmHDZ4, in maize seedlings that is associated with drought tolerance. We demonstrated that ZmHDZ4 has transcriptional activation activity, exclusively localized in the nucleus. Several Cis-acting elements associated with abiotic stress have been identified in the core promoter region of ZmHDZ4. Under drought-stressed conditions, transgenic maize plantsBMC plant biologyFunctional study of ZmHDZ4 in maize (Zea mays) seedlings under drought stress.PMC1165674632201852 and 32201848Tian ZShao JXie XAbou-Elwafa SFKu LRen ZSu HJia LWei LfalseFunctional study of ZmHDZ4 in maize (Zea mays) seedlings under drought stress.<h4>Background</h4>Maize is a major feed and industrial crop and pivotal for ensuring global food security. In light of global warming and climate change, improving maize tolerance to water deficit is crucial. Identification and functional analysis of drought tolerance genes have potential practical importance in understanding the molecular mechanisms of drought stress.<h4>Results</h4>Here, we identified a maize Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper I, ZmHDZ4, in maize seedlings that is associated with drought tolerance. We demonstrated that ZmHDZ4 has transcriptional activation activity, exclusively localized in the nucleus. Several Cis-acting elements associated with abiotic stress have been identified in the core promoter region of ZmHDZ4. Under drought-stressed conditions, transgenic maize plants2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Dec2025-04-26T17:03:14.465Z2025-04-06T15:25:31.829ZS-EPMC116567463970198310.1186/s12870-024-05951-3