He, BingShi, PibiaoLv, YuandaGao, ZhipingChen, Guoxiang2020-11-182020-11-182020-01He Bing, Shi Pibiao, Lv Yuanda, Gao Zhiping, Chen Guoxiang. Gene coexpression network analysis reveals the role of SRS genes in senescence leaf of maize (Zea mays L.). Journal of Genetics. 2020 Jan; 99: 1-100022-13330973-7731http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/215562Shi-related sequence (SRS) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in developmental processes, including regulating hormone biosynthesis, response or signal transduction. However, systematical analysis of the SRS gene family in maize has not yet been conducted. In this study, 11 SRS genes with 13 transcripts were identified and characterized. The characteristics of the gene family were analysed in terms of phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution and gene structure. RNA-sequencing data analysis showed that the expression patterns of SRS genes were quite different from each other in maize, indicating their divergence in function. Interestingly, the GRMZM2G077752 gene is highly expressed in senescent leaves. Using further coexpression network analysis, we determined that the module containing GRMZM2G077752 were over-represented by genes related to abscisic acid (ABA) stimulus and carbohydrate metabolic process. This result indicated that GRMZM2G077752 might perceive ABA signal and cause the activation of carbohydrate remobilization during leaf ageing. This study provides valuable information for understanding the functions of the SRS genes in maize.gene coexpression networkmaizeSRS geneleaf senescence.Journal ArticleIndiaSchool of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of ChinaXinyang Agricultural Experiment Station of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yancheng 224049, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of ChinaProvincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of ChinaSchool of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of ChinaSchool of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China