Maize endosperm development

Recent breakthroughs in transcriptome analysis and gene characterization have provided valuable resources information about the maize endosperm developmental program. The high temporal-resolution has yielded unprecedented access to genetic control of seed development. Detailed spatial using laser-capture microdissection revealed expression patterns specific populations genes four major compartments: basal transfer layer (BETL), aleurone (AL), starchy (SE), embryo-surrounding region (ESR). Although overall picture transcriptional regulatory network development remains fragmentary, there been some exciting advances, such as identification OPAQUE11 (O11) a central hub connecting development, nutrient metabolism, stress responses, discovery that adjacent scutellum (EAS) serves dynamic interface for endosperm-embryo crosstalk. In addition, several function BETL AL differentiation, cell cycle identified, ZmSWEET4c, Thk1, Dek15, respectively. Here, we focus on current advances understanding molecular factors involved BETL, AL, SE, ESR, EAS including networks each compartment during