Dragana Dudić

The EuroBiotech Journal

Genetic background-dependent cold stress response in maize

Dragana Dudić; Bojana Banović Đeri; Ana Nikolić

https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ebtj-2025-0022

Cold stress is a severe constraint in early sowing for the stabilization of maize yield in changing climate conditions. The aim of this research was to study the molecular basis of cold response in genetically disparate maize inbred lines-Lancaster and Non-Lancaster-offered for hybrid combinations. RNA-Seq-mediated expression profiling showed 77 DEGs between the two groups, some involved in photosynthesis, signal transduction, and sulfur metabolism. Cold responsiveness of some selected DEGs-Chloroplast ATP-sulfurylase, CIPK15 kinase, and Calvin cycle CP12-was validated at different time points after exposure to stress, showing differential expression depending on the genetic background. Furthermore, cold tolerance physiological assessment agreed with the molecular profiles, determining that some Non-Lancaster lines had higher potential for adaptation. The present findings provide molecular targets for marker-assisted selection and hence development of cold-tolerant hybrids, paving way for climate-resilient agriculture and food security in the region

RNA-seq / differential gene expression / cold stress / maize / climate change

M22