Functional Analysis of the ZmPR5 Gene Related to Resistance Against Fusarium verticillioides in Maize

In this study, the gene <i>ZmPR5</i>, associated with resistance to ear rot, was identified through transcriptome data analysis of the maize inbred line J1259. The gene was subsequently cloned and its function was investigated. The <i>ZmPR5</i> gene comprises an open reading frame of 525 base pairs, encoding a protein of 175 amino acids. <i>ZmPR5</i> was overexpressed in Arabidopsis and the <i>ZmPR5EMS</i> mutant in maize, and they were subjected to q-PCR and measurements of antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, SOD, CAT, MDA), electrical conductivity, and chlorophyll content. The results indicate that the expression of <i>ZmPR5</i> is up-regulated upon infection by <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i>, with significant differences observed in the activities of POD, SOD, CAT, MDA, electrical conductivity, and chlorophyll content. The study found that <i>ZmPR5</i> is localized in the nucleus and interacts with <i>Zm00001d020492 (WRKY53)</i> and <i>Zm00001d042140 (glucA)</i>. Trypan blue staining revealed that the stained area in the <i>ZmPR5EMS</i> mutant of maize was significantly larger than that in B73. The expression of <i>ZmPR5</i> is closely associated with resistance to maize ear rot.