Scholarlink

<p>Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is a key genetic and agricultural phenomenon driven by non-additive effects, though its mechanisms remain debated. To examine these effects at the transcriptomic level, we integrate population-scale transcriptomic and phenotypic data in maize. We find that <i>∼</i>30% of expressed seedling genes in many hybrids deviate from mid-parent values, consistent with incomplete dominance. While overall expression is largely controlled by <i>cis</i>-eQTLs, non-additive expression is disproportionately regulated by <i>trans</i>-eQTLs. These <i>trans</i>-eQTLs cluster into hotspots that coordinately control hundreds of genes, often within co-expression networks and enriched for transcription factors. We validate one hotspot involving <i>ZmR1</i>, a bHLH transcription factor, showing its role in regulating widespread incomplete dominance and enhancing heterosis in seedling and agronomic traits. These findings support a model in which <i>trans</i>-acting factors shape expression dominance and contribute to heterosis, providing a framework for crop improvement.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The incomplete dominance of gene expression controlled by Trans-eQTL hotspots contributes to heterosis in maize

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月7日

查看全文
  • Gen Xu,
  • Xuerong Yang,
  • Mingyue Zhang,
  • Congbin Kang,
  • Ziang Tian,
  • Yunhui Qi,
  • Meijie Luo,
  • Peng Liu,
  • Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra,
  • Jinliang Yang,
  • Hongjun Liu

摘要

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is a key genetic and agricultural phenomenon driven by non-additive effects, though its mechanisms remain debated. To examine these effects at the transcriptomic level, we integrate population-scale transcriptomic and phenotypic data in maize. We find that ∼30% of expressed seedling genes in many hybrids deviate from mid-parent values, consistent with incomplete dominance. While overall expression is largely controlled by cis-eQTLs, non-additive expression is disproportionately regulated by trans-eQTLs. These trans-eQTLs cluster into hotspots that coordinately control hundreds of genes, often within co-expression networks and enriched for transcription factors. We validate one hotspot involving ZmR1, a bHLH transcription factor, showing its role in regulating widespread incomplete dominance and enhancing heterosis in seedling and agronomic traits. These findings support a model in which trans-acting factors shape expression dominance and contribute to heterosis, providing a framework for crop improvement.