In a genome-wide investigation of maize (Zea mays), researchers have reidentified 13 members of the calmodulin-binding protein 60 (ZmCBP60) transcription factor family and evaluated their potential roles in abiotic stress responses. Although CBP60 proteins play crucial roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses across several plant species, their specific biological functions in maize had previously remained unexplored.

Evolutionary analyses revealed that the ZmCBP60 genes exhibit a closer phylogenetic relationship and stronger collinearity with monocots, particularly rice, than with dicotyledonous plants. This evolutionary pattern was further corroborated by distinctive codon usage patterns identified across the maize gene family.

Promoter cis-element analysis of the ZmCBP60 genes uncovered an abundance of stress-responsive and hormone-responsive elements. Consistent with these promoter characteristics, expression profiling demonstrated that multiple ZmCBP60 genes were differentially regulated following exposure to cold, osmotic, and salt stresses, as well as treatment with abscisic acid.

The expression patterns observed under abiotic stress conditions closely mirrored those elicited by abscisic acid treatment, suggesting the putative involvement of ZmCBP60 proteins in an ABA-mediated signaling pathway. Furthermore, coordinated expression between ZmCBP1 and ZmCBP60c-4 during salt stress pointed to potential functional redundancy within the family, laying a foundation for future functional validation.

Subject of Research: Abiotic stress response and evolution of maize CBP60 genes

Article Title: Evolutionary conservation and abiotic stress response of calmodulin-binding protein 60 family proteins in Zea mays

Article References: Wang, Y., Li, Y., Liu, Z., Dong, W., Sun, M., Shen, Y., & Sun, X. (2026). Evolutionary conservation and abiotic stress response of calmodulin-binding protein 60 family proteins in Zea mays. Molecular Biology Reports, 53(1), Article 1915. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-13037-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s11033-026-13037-6

Keywords: Zea mays, CBP60 gene family, abiotic stress, plant genetics, abscisic acid, osmotic stress, salt stress, gene expression, Evolutionary, conservation, abiotic, stress