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An integrated multi‐layered analysis of the metabolic networks of different tissues uncovers key genetic components of primary metabolism in maize
Author(s) -
Wen Weiwei,
Jin Min,
Li Kun,
Liu Haijun,
Xiao Yingjie,
Zhao Mingchao,
Alseekh Saleh,
Li Wenqiang,
de Abreu e Lima Francisco,
Brotman Yariv,
Willmitzer Lothar,
Fernie Alisdair R.,
Yan Jianbing
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1111/tpj.13835
Subject(s) - biology , gene , primary metabolite , genetics , locus (genetics) , genetic variation , genome wide association study , secondary metabolism , genome , candidate gene , genetic association , metabolic pathway , allele , metabolism , genotype , single nucleotide polymorphism , biochemistry , biosynthesis
SUMMARY Primary metabolism plays a pivotal role in normal plant growth, development and reproduction. As maize is a major crop worldwide, the primary metabolites produced by maize plants are of immense importance from both calorific and nutritional perspectives. Here a genome‐wide association study ( GWAS ) of 61 primary metabolites using a maize association panel containing 513 inbred lines identified 153 significant loci associated with the level of these metabolites in four independent tissues. The genome‐wide expression level of 760 genes was also linked with metabolite levels within the same tissue. On average, the genetic variants at each locus or transcriptional variance of each gene identified here were estimated to have a minor effect (4.4–7.8%) on primary metabolic variation. Thirty‐six loci or genes were prioritized as being worthy of future investigation, either with regard to functional characterization or for their utility for genetic improvement. This target list includes the well‐known opaque 2 ( O2 ) and lkr / sdh genes as well as many less well‐characterized genes. During our investigation of these 36 loci, we analyzed the genetic components and variations underlying the trehalose, aspartate and aromatic amino acid pathways, thereby functionally characterizing four genes involved in primary metabolism in maize.