The Proteomics and Metabolomics Studies of GZU001 on Promoting the Merisis of Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots

Abstract

Abstract Background Plant growth regulators are chemicals that regulate plant growth and development, which can regulate hormonal balance and affect plant growth, thereby increasing crop yield and/or improving crop quality. We discovered a novel compound (GZU001), a potential plant growth regulator, that significantly promoted root elongation in maize. However, an underlying potential mechanism is still under study. Results To explore the response pathway and regulation mechanism of GZU001 in promoting maize root elongation, the current study used a combination of metabolomics and proteomics study. From the appearance, we can see that both roots and plants of maize treated with GZU001 are significantly improved. In the metabolic process of maize roots, glucose not only acts as a nutrient molecule, but also plays a dual role as a signal molecule, which plays an important role in promoting plant growth and development. In total, 101 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and 79 differentially expressed metabolites were identified. The current study identified altered proteins and metabolites associated with physiological and biochemical processes. These processes are mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and secondary metabolism, indicating that the enhancement of primary metabolism after GZU001 treatment is beneficial to the growth and development of maize, and plays an important role in maintaining metabolism and growth and development. Conclusions This study recorded the changes of related proteins and metabolites in maize roots after GZU001 treatment, and provided evidence for the action mode and mechanism of this compound in plants.