Open AccessA group VII ethylene response factor gene, ZmEREB180 , coordinates waterlogging tolerance in maize seedlings
Author(s) -
Yu Feng,
Liang Kun,
Fang Tian,
Zhao Hailiang,
Han Xuesong,
Cai Manjun,
Qiu Fazhan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plant biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.525
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1467-7652
pISSN - 1467-7644
DOI - 10.1111/pbi.13140
Subject(s) - biology , waterlogging (archaeology) , gene , transcriptome , gene expression , genetically modified rice , botany , transgene , genetically modified crops , genetics , ecology , wetland
Summary Group VII ethylene response factors ( ERFVIIs ) play important roles in ethylene signalling and plant responses to flooding. However, natural ERFVII variations in maize ( ZmERFVIIs ) that are directly associated with waterlogging tolerance have not been reported. Here, a candidate gene association analysis of the ZmERFVII gene family showed that a waterlogging‐responsive gene, ZmEREB180 , was tightly associated with waterlogging tolerance. ZmEREB180 expression specifically responded to waterlogging and was up‐regulated by ethylene; in addition, its gene product localized to the nucleus. Variations in the 5ʹ‐untranslated region (5ʹ‐UTR) and mRNA abundance of this gene under waterlogging conditions were significantly associated with survival rate (SR). Ectopic expression of ZmEREB180 in Arabidopsis increased the SR after submergence stress, and overexpression of ZmEREB180 in maize also enhanced the SR after long‐term waterlogging stress, apparently through enhanced formation of adventitious roots (ARs) and regulation of antioxidant levels. Transcriptomic assays of the transgenic maize line under normal and waterlogged conditions further provided evidence that ZmEREB180 regulated AR development and reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Our study provides direct evidence that a ZmERFVII gene is involved in waterlogging tolerance. These findings could be applied directly to breed waterlogging‐tolerant maize cultivars and improve our understanding of waterlogging stress.