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Robust expression and association of ZmCCA1 with circadian rhythms in maize

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Abstract

In plants, the circadian clock is an endogenous mechanism that controls a wide range of biological processes. To date, as one of the key world crops, little is known about the molecular mechanism and components of the circadian clock in maize (Zea mays). In this study, we characterized the CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 gene of maize (ZmCCA1), an ortholog of CCA1 in Arabidopsis thaliana (AtCCA1). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that ZmCCA1 was expressed in leaves and stem apex meristems in a rhythmic pattern under long day and short day conditions, and its peak gene expression appeared during the morning. ZmCCA1 transcripts accumulated in all tissues evaluated, with higher levels in tassels and ears. Additionally, the expression of another photoperiod gene ZmTOC1 peaked 12 h after dawn on long days and at 10 h after dawn on short days. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the ZmCCA1 protein is directed to the cell nucleus. Overexpression of ZmCCA1 in Arabidopsis reduced the expression levels of downstream genes, including GIGANTEA (AtGI), CONSTANS (AtCO), and FLOWERING LOCUST (AtFT), and resulted in longer hypocotyls and delayed flowering. Taken together, our data suggest that ZmCCA1 may be a core component of the circadian clock in maize.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are very grateful to Professor Xia Zhongliang for critically reviewing the manuscript. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30971789) and Science and Technology Development Programs of Henan Province (No. 102102110171).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002, China

    Xintao Wang, Liuji Wu, Shaofang Zhang, Liancheng Wu, Lixia Ku, Xiaomin Wei, Lili Xie & Yanhui Chen

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  1. Xintao Wang
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  2. Liuji Wu
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  3. Shaofang Zhang
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  4. Liancheng Wu
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  6. Xiaomin Wei
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  8. Yanhui Chen
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Correspondence to Yanhui Chen.

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Communicated by B. Li.

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Wang, X., Wu, L., Zhang, S. et al. Robust expression and association of ZmCCA1 with circadian rhythms in maize. Plant Cell Rep 30, 1261–1272 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-011-1036-8

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