Shanjun Zhu , Wei Wang

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0019
Received: 13 Jun., 2025    Accepted: 28 Jul., 2025    Published: 18 Aug., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhu S.J., and Wang W., 2025, Functional validation of maize phosphate transporters using overexpression lines, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(4): 219-228 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0019)

 

Phosphate transport is essential for maize growth, development, and yield, as it regulates nutrient uptake, allocation, and signaling pathways critical for plant productivity. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive functional validation of maize phosphate transporters through overexpression strategies, focusing on key members of the PHT1, PHT2, and PHT3 families. We characterized the genomic organization, expression patterns, and regulatory features of these genes, followed by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to generate targeted overexpression lines under constitutive and tissue-specific promoters. Phenotypic assessments revealed enhanced phosphate uptake efficiency, improved root architecture, increased biomass, and greater stress tolerance in transgenic lines. Molecular analyses, including transcriptomic profiling, protein localization studies, and metabolic flux measurements, confirmed the functional enhancement of phosphate transport and related metabolic pathways. A case study on a specific PHT1 transporter demonstrated significant agronomic benefits, including improved yield under phosphate-limited conditions. These findings provide critical insights into the roles of phosphate transporters in maize physiology and highlight their potential for breeding phosphate-efficient cultivars, contributing to sustainable agriculture and phosphorus resource conservation.

Maize; Phosphate transporter; Overexpression; Nutrient absorption; Sustainable agriculture