Modulation of lignin and anthocyanin homeostasis by GTP cyclohydrolase1 in maize

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.70061
• Publication Date: 2025-03-31T02:39:16Z
• Authors: Mingyue Zhang; Xiaohan Li; Xiao Wang; Shuzhen Jiang; Junli Zhang; Mingfei Sun; Zixian Zhou; Jinxiao Zhang; Mengyao Li; Yanxiao Lv; Enlong Qi; Ziang Tian; Hongjie Zhu; Xuebin Zhang; Xiangyu Zhao; Changcheng Xu; Thomas Lübberstedt; Xiansheng Zhang; Xuerong Yang; Chao Zhou; Hongjun Liu
• Keywords: Homeostasis

Maize is a key biomass resource with wide agricultural applications. Anthocyanins, potent antioxidants, offer health benefits like reducing oxidative stress. The biosynthesis of anthocyanins competes that lignin for shared metabolic precursors, which can lead to trade-offs in plant growth and feed quality. Higher content decrease silage digestibility, posing challenges livestock feed. maize brown midrib 6 (bm6) mutant, known reduced lignin, has an unclear genetic basis. Here, we identify ZmGCH1 as the candidate gene bm6 through fine mapping. Mutations shift precursors from anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, show interacts ZmPEBP15 modulate chalcone synthase activity, thereby stabilizing allocation between pathways. To evaluate practical implications our findings, introduced mutation into Zhengdan958 Xianyu335. In vitro rumen digestion assays confirmed introduction significantly improved digestibility. This discovery not only holds great potential enhancing digestibility but also provides broader strategy optimizing production better meet increasing demands both food