SPX family response to low phosphorus stress and the involvement of in phosphorus homeostasis in maize.

Phosphorus (P) is a crucial macronutrient for plant growth and development, and low-Pi stress poses a significant limitation to maize production. While the role of the SPX domain in encoding proteins involved in phosphate (Pi) homeostasis and signaling transduction has been extensively studied in other model plants, the molecular and functional characteristics of the gene family members in maize remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identified six members, and the phylogenetic analysis of s revealed a close relationship with genes in rice. The promoter regions of s were abundant in biotic and abiotic stress-related elements, particularly associated with various hormone signaling pathways, indicating potential intersections between Pi signaling and hormone signaling pathways. Additionally, s displayed tissue-specific expression patterns, with significant and differential induction in anthers and roots, and were localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. The interaction between s and s was established via yeast two-hybrid assays. Furthermore, overexpression of enhanced root sensitivity to Pi deficiency and high-Pi conditions in . Phenotypic identification of the maize transgenic lines demonstrated the negative regulatory effect on the P concentration of stems and leaves as well as yield. Notably, polymorphic sites including 34 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and seven insertions/deletions (InDels) in were significantly associated with 16 traits of low-Pi tolerance index. Furthermore, significant sites were classified into five haplotypes, and haplotype5 can enhance biomass production by promoting root development. Taken together, our results suggested that family members possibly play a pivotal role in Pi stress signaling in plants by interacting with s. Significantly, was involved in the Pi-deficiency response verified in transgenic and can affect the Pi concentration of maize tissues and yield. This work lays the groundwork for deeper exploration of the maize family and could inform the development of maize varieties with improved Pi efficiency.