Characterization of ZmCesAs for Secondary Cell Wall Biosynthesis in Maize

Plant secondary cell wall provides physical support for upright growth and transportation of water and nutrients. Detailed characterization of the molecular mechanism for SCW biosynthesis would be of great importance for breeding maize varieties. Cellulose, synthesized by the cellulose synthase complex (CSC), composed of cellulose synthase (CesA) proteins, is a main component of plant cell walls. However, CesA genes that are specific for SCW biosynthesis in maize were undefined. In our study, ZmCesA10, 11, and 12 were characterized to be responsible for SCW biosynthesis in maize. ZmCesA10, 11, and 12 interact with each other and are co-expressed in maize culms and roots. Mutants for ZmCesA10, 11, and 12, exhibited an increased culm brittleness, a reduced cell wall thickness, and cellulose content. We concluded that ZmCesA10, 11, and 12 would be markers for the SCW study, and finally this study helps in the construction of the molecular network for SCW biosynthesis in maize.