Integrative cross-study analysis of maize microarray datasets identifies key abiotic stress-responsive genes, highlighting ZmOSM34 and ZmANAH

Biotic and abiotic stresses significantly affect maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity worldwide. In this study, we performed an integrative cross-study analysis of publicly available maize microarray datasets to identify key abiotic stress-responsive genes. The analysis identified 57 key abiotic stress-responsive genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses indicated that these genes are significantly associated with metabolic and stress-response pathways. The results revealed that not only metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites pathways, but also the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway contribute to stress adaptation. Promoter analysis revealed 20 distinct cis-regulatory element types, with light-responsive elements being the most abundant, alongside significant hormonal response elements, suggesting a complex regulatory network involved in stress adaptation. Based on the UpSet plot analysis, ZmANAH and ZmOSM34 were identified as genes responsive to both abiotic and biotic stresses across the datasets analyzed. Expression analysis under lead (Pb, 250 µM) and sodium chloride (NaCl, 250 mM) stress in two maize genotypes, salt-tolerant (BC 678) and salt-sensitive (Dominate), demonstrated that ZmANAH exhibited high expression variability, particularly under NaCl stress, whereas ZmOSM34 maintained consistently higher expression levels in the salt-tolerant genotype under both stress conditions. Notably, the highest expression of both genes was observed 48 h post-treatment in the salt-tolerant genotype under NaCl stress. These findings suggest that ZmANAH and ZmOSM34 play crucial roles in maize stress tolerance and may serve as valuable targets for genetic improvement and breeding strategies aimed at enhancing maize resilience to environmental stresses, especially salt and possibly drought stress.