A NAC-EXPANSIN module enhances maize kernel size by controlling nucellus elimination

Maize early endosperm development is initiated in coordination with elimination of maternal nucellar tissues. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we characterize a major quantitative trait locus for maize kernel size and weight that encodes an EXPANSIN gene, ZmEXPB15. The encoded β-expansin protein is expressed specifically in nucellus, and positively controls kernel size and weight by promoting nucellus elimination. We further show that two nucellus-enriched transcription factors (TFs), ZmNAC11 and ZmNAC29, activate ZmEXPB15 expression. Accordingly, these two TFs also promote kernel size and weight through nucellus elimination regulation, and genetic analyses support their interaction with ZmEXPB15. Importantly, hybrids derived from a ZmEXPB15 overexpression line have increased kernel weight, demonstrating its potential value in breeding. Together, we reveal a pathway modulating the cellular processes of maternal nucellus elimination and early endosperm development, and an approach to improve kernel weight.

Qin Sun, Yunfu Li, Dianming Gong, Aoqing Hu, Wanshun Zhong, Hailiang Zhao, Qiang Ning, Zengdong Tan, Kun Liang, Luyao Mu, David Jackson, Zuxin Zhang, Fang Yang, Fazhan Qiu