Characterization and expression analysis of a novel RING-HC gene, ZmRHCP1, involved in brace root development and abiotic stress responses in maize

RING is a really interesting new gene which plays important regulatory roles in many developmental processes as well as in plant-environment interactions. In the present report, the ZmRHCP1 gene encoding a putative RING-HC protein was isolated from maize and characterized. The ZmRHCP1 protein contained 310 amino acid residues with a conserved RING-HC zinc-finger motif and two transmembrane (TM) domains. ZmRHCP1 was expressed ubiquitously in various organs (root, stem, leaf, seedling, immature ear, and tassel), but its transcript levels were higher in vegetative organs than in reproductive organs. Moreover, the expression pattern of ZmRHCP1 in brace roots indicated that ZmRHCP1 functions in brace root initiation. In addition, ZmRHCP1 expression was regulated by abiotic stresses. The expression results suggested that ZmRHCP1 plays important roles in brace root development and abiotic stress responses. The findings of the present study provide important information to help us understand the function of ZmRHCP1 in maize.