Genome-wide analysis of maize <i>OSCA</i> family members and their involvement in drought stress

Abstract

In this report, 12 <i>ZmOSCA</i> genes were uncovered in the maize genome by a genome-wide survey and analyzed systematically to reveal their synteny and phylogenetic relationship with the genomes of rice, maize, and sorghum. These analyses indicated a relatively conserved evolutionary history of the <i>ZmOSCA</i> gene family. Protein domain and transmembrane analysis indicated that most of the 12 ZmOSCAs shared similar structures with their homologs. The result of differential expression analysis under drought at various stages, as well as the expression profiles in 15 tissues, revealed a functional divergence of <i>ZmOSCA</i> genes. Notably, the expression level of <i>ZmOSCA4.1</i> being up-regulated in both seedlings and adult leaves. Notably, the association analysis between genetic variations in these genes and drought tolerance was detected. Significant associations between genetic variation in <i>ZmOSCA4.1</i> and drought tolerance were found at the seedling stage. Our report provides a detailed analysis of the <i>ZmOSCAs</i> in the maize genome. These findings will contribute to future studies on the functional characterization of ZmOSCA proteins in response to water deficit stress, as well as understanding the mechanism of genetic variation in drought tolerance in maize.