Abstract: The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors have important roles in plant development and abiotic stress response. In this study, one maize transcription factor gene ZmbHLH4 was amplified and cloned by PCR through genome-wide comparative sequence analysis. The result of sub-cellular localization assay and transcriptional activation test demonstrated that ZmbHLH4 was located in nucleus, but absent of transcription activation activity. Over expression of ZmbHLH4 in Arabidopsis could promote seed germination. The transgenic ZmbHLH4 plants of Arabidopsis presented dwarfism, could bolt and bloom early with more branches and leaf blades. The leaf length was shorten, and flower stem was thinner. The pods were crumpled and twisted. The fertility was decreased. All these phenotypes indicated that ZmbHLH4 had important function in regulating plant growth, development and morphogenesis.

Key words: maize, transcription factor, ZmbHLH4, morphogenesis, growth and development

摘要： bHLH类转录因子在植物的生长发育及逆境应答反应中发挥重要作用。通过生物信息学比对分析，PCR扩增克隆得到玉米转录因子ZmbHLH4基因。亚细胞定位和转录激活实验结果表明ZmbHLH4特异性定位于细胞核，不具有转录激活活性。ZmbHLH4基因过表达可促进拟南芥种子萌发，同时转基因植株表现出矮化、抽薹及开花提前，花茎变细、分支增多，叶片数量增多、长度缩短，果荚扭曲皱缩、育性降低等多种表型，说明ZmbHLH4在调控植物的生长发育和形态建成方面发挥重要功能。

关键词: 玉米, 转录因子, ZmbHLH4, 形态建成, 生长发育