Dynamic Molecular Regulation of Salt Stress Responses in Maize ( L.) Seedlings

Overview

Journal Front Plant Sci

Date 2025 Mar 12

PMID 40070712

Authors

Atikaimu Maimaiti

Wei Gu

Diansi Yu

Yuan Guan

Jingtao Qu

Tao Qin

Hui Wang

Jiaojiao Ren

Hongjian Zheng

Penghao Wu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Maize ranks among the most essential crops globally, yet its growth and yield are significantly hindered by salt stress, posing challenges to agricultural productivity. To utilize saline-alkali soils more effectively and enrich maize germplasm resources, identifying salt-tolerant genes in maize is essential.

Methods: In this study, we used a salt-tolerant maize inbred line, SPL02, and a salt-sensitive maize inbred line, Mo17. We treated both lines with 180 mmol/L sodium chloride (NaCl) for 0 days, 3 days, 6 days, and 9 days at the three-leaf growth stage (V3). Through comprehensive morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses, we assessed salt stress effects and identified hub genes and pathways associated with salt tolerance.

Results: Our analysis identified 25,383 expressed genes, with substantial differences in gene expression patterns across the salt treatment stages. We found 8,971 differentially expressed genes (DEGs)-7,111 unique to SPL02 and 4,791 unique to Mo17-indicating dynamic gene expression changes under salt stress. In SPL02, the DEGs are primarily associated with the MAPK signaling pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and hormone signaling under salt treatment conditions. In Mo17, salt stress responses are primarily mediated through the abscisic acid-activated signaling pathway and hormone response. Additionally, our weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) pinpointed five hub genes that likely play central roles in mediating salt tolerance. These genes are associated with functions including phosphate import ATP-binding protein, glycosyltransferase, and WRKY transcription factors.

Discussion: This study offers valuable insights into the complex regulatory networks governing the maize response to salt stress and identifies five hub genes and pathways for further investigation. These findings contribute valuable knowledge for enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability in saline-affected environments.

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