Haihai Wang

Abstract During maize (Zea mays L.) domestication, seed protein content sharply declined1,2. In plants, glutamine and asparagine levels are closely correlated with protein content3,4. Asparagine is synthesized from glutamine, a process catalysed by asparagine synthase5. Teosinte harbours a superior haplotype of asparagine synthase 4 (ASN4)2. Here, we report that teosinte also possesses a superior haplotype gene promoting glutamine synthesis.

Abstract Efficient nitrogen assimilation is important for sustainable agriculture1, yet its subcellular organization remains unknown. Here we show that plastoglobules (PGs) in the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells function as a metabolic hub that orchestrates nitrogen utilization in maize. Nitrogen-responsive dynamics of PGs represent a conserved feature across plant species.

Abstract The plastid DNA (ptDNA) replication is initiated by primases, which synthesize RNA primers; following the synthesis of DNA fragments, primers must be removed before ligation. However, the enzymes and mechanisms underlying this process are poorly understood. Here we cloned a gene from maize that encodes a plastid-localized and Mn2+-dependent 5′–3′ exonuclease (designated PEN1) responsible for this process.