Identification of Specific Long-Lived mRNAs Associated with Seed Longevity in Sweet Corn Based on RNA-seq

Seeds possess long-lived messenger RNAs (mRNAs), some of which are involved in triggering germination and supporting seed longevity. Nevertheless, comprehensive studies on longevity-associated long-lived mRNAs in sweet corn are still scarce. To address this, eight sweet corn inbred lines were subjected to artificial aging (AA) and natural aging (NA). Based on half-inhibition time (ID50), two representative lines—a high-longevity (HL, T7) and a low-longevity (LL, T3) line—were selected. Physiological and biochemical assays revealed significant reductions in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, along with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrical conductivity, with more severe membrane damage in the LL line. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed a strong correlation in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AA and NA. The combined DEGs were enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and tryptophan metabolism, while five common long-lived mRNAs, including Zm00001eb157210 and Zm00001eb164610, were consistently downregulated, suggesting their potential role in regulating seed vigor. These findings highlight key molecular players in sweet corn seed longevity.