In-silico characterization and expression analysis of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase1 (ccd1) gene in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract To supplement the vitamin A deficiency biofortified maize was developed with increased carotenoid content. However it was observed that during storage carotenoids present in maize grain get degraded and it has been reported that carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase1 (ccd1) is responsible for this degradation. In our current study we characterised the ccd1 gene using in-silico analysis. Expression analysis of ccd1 gene was done in two maize inbreds V335PV and HKI161PV which show significant differences in retention capacity of carotenoid in storage conditions. Both inbred lines showed higher expression of ccd1 during reproductive stages compared to vegetative stages. Furthermore, the milking stage grain exhibited the highest level of ccd1 expression in both inbreds. Hence silencing the ccd1 gene using the recent genome editing tools may be a good strategy for higher carotenoid retention.