Genetic and Lipidomic Analyses Reveal the Key Role of Lipid Metabolism for Cold Tolerance in Maize
Published:10 Aug.2023 Source:International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Lipid remodeling is crucial for cold tolerance in plants. However, the precise alternations of lipidomics during cold responses remains elusive, especially in maize (Zea mays L.). In addition, the key genes responsible for cold tolerance in maize lipid metabolism have not been identified.
Here, we integrate lipidomic, transcriptomic, and genetic analysis to determine the profile of lipid remodeling caused by cold stress. We find that the homeostasis of cellular lipid metabolism is essential for maintaining cold tolerance of maize. Also, we detect 213 lipid species belonging to 14 major classes, covering phospholipids, glycerides, glycolipids, and free fatty acids.
Various lipid metabolites undergo specific and selective alterations in response to cold stress, especially mono/di-unsaturated lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol, as well as polyunsaturated phosphatidic acid, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol. In addition, we identify a subset of key enzymes, including ketoacyl-ACP synthase II, acyl-carrier protein 2, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, and stearoyl-ACP desaturase 2 involved in glycerolipid biosynthetic pathways are positive regulators of maize cold tolerance. These results reveal a comprehensive lipidomic profile during the cold response of maize and provide genetic resources for enhancing cold tolerance in crops.
