Maize terpenoid antibiotic pathways for enhanced pathogen resistance and yield
Discovery and genetic control of maize sesquiterpenoid and diterpenoid antibiotic pathways that mediate key interactions with soil microorganisms and significantly influence yield. Offers combinatorial pathway mutants and validated biosynthetic targets for developing disease-resistant maize varieties with improved agricultural outcomes.
Overview
This research program focuses on the discovery, characterization, and genetic manipulation of maize sesquiterpenoid and diterpenoid antibiotic pathways that function as a complex chemical language mediating interactions with soil microorganisms. These specialized metabolites play a critical role in pathogen resistance and yield protection. The work has identified multiple biosynthetic pathways derived from beta-selinene, beta-macrocarpene, ent-isokaurene, and dolabradiene, each contributing to fungal and bacterial disease resistance. By leveraging defined biosynthetic pathway mutants, researchers can alter disease severity and modulate root bacterial microbiomes, offering a powerful approach to improving crop resilience and productivity.
Technical specifications
Key discoveries and genetic tools:
- Identification of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene cluster encoding three CYP71Z enzymes that create a connected biosynthetic hourglass pathway
- Root metabolite levels of over 60 products can reach concentrations of 1 percent fresh weight
- CRISPR/Cas9 mutants generated in key pathway genes including ksl2, ksl4, tps21, and a quadruple mutant of tandemly arrayed zealexin biosynthetic genes (zx1 through zx4)
- Development of a comprehensive czkd mutant lacking all costic acids, zealexins, kauralexins, and dolabralexins
- Creation of 14 combinatorial crosses alongside wild-type and czkd parents for systematic pathway dissection
Research applications:
- Pathogen resistance through terpenoid antibiotic production
- Modulation of beneficial root bacterial microbiomes
- Field trial validation of combinatorial pathway effects on yield
- Breeding strategies for disease-resistant maize varieties
Technology readiness level
The hypothesis and underlying biosynthetic pathways have been validated through published peer-reviewed research. Current efforts focus on scaling up for field trial validation, with plans to generate thousands of maize seeds segregating at a 1:256 ratio across four defense pathways, producing 16 combinatorial outcomes. The program seeks industry partnership for high-throughput seed chipping and genotyping capabilities to enable complex plant selection and greenhouse-based pollinations. Collaborators across multiple states are positioned to support field trials. Ongoing grant pursuits include both basic research (NSF) and applied agricultural research (USDA) funding mechanisms.
About University of California, San Diego
UC San Diego is a comprehensive public research university in La Jolla, anchored by an integrated academic health system. On the east campus, the 23‑acre Science Research Park co‑locates corporate R&D with university programs and connects to the health sciences district, enabling daily interaction among scientists, clinicians, and companies. The Jacobs School’s Corporate Affiliates Program provides structured engagement and recruiting, while the Office of Innovation & Commercialization supports IP, licensing, and startup formation. The research enterprise is sustained by competitive federal funding, with recent awards exceeding $1.7B annually. Established commercialization pathways streamline sponsored research and help partners move from proof of concept to deployment.
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