A genome-wide co-expression network analysis revealed ZmNRAMP6-mediated regulatory pathway involved in maize tolerance to lead stress

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic heavy metal pollutants, which can penetrate to plant cells via root absorption and thus cause irreversible damages to the human body through the food chain. To identify the hub gene responsible for Pb tolerance in maize, we performed a trait-associated co-expression network analysis at a genome-wide level, using two maize lines with contrasting Pb tolerances. Finally, ZmNRAMP6 that encodes a metal transporter was identi ed as the hub gene among the Pb toleranceassociated co-expression module. Heterologous expression of ZmNRAMP6 in yeast veri ed its role in Pb transport. Combined Arabidopsis overexpression and maize mutant analysis suggested that ZmNRAMP6 conferred plant sensitivity to Pb stress by transporting Pb ion from the roots to shoots. Knockout of ZmNRAMP6 caused Pb retention in the roots and activation of the antioxidant enzyme system, resulting in an increased Pb tolerance in maize. An integration of yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assay uncovered that ZmNRAMP6 was negatively regulated by a known Pb tolerance-related transcript factor ZmbZIP54. Different from the other known NRAMP genes, ZmNRAMP6 acted as a Pb transporter from the roots to shoots and environment. Collectively, knockout of ZmNRAMP6 will aid in the bioremediation of contaminated soil and food safety guarantee of forage and grain corn. Key MessageA metal transporter ZmNRAMP6 was identi ed by using a trait-associated co-expression network analysis at a genome-wide level. ZmNRAMP6 confers maize sensitivity to Pb by accumulating it to maize shoots. ZmNRAMP6 knockout detains Pb in roots, activates antioxidant enzymes, and improves Pb tolerance.