Characterization of maize male sterile 2 mutant by phenotypic and RNA sequencing analyses

Male sterility plays an important role in the hybrid seed production. Elucidation of the mechanism of male sterility will provide useful information for the usage of male sterility. In this study, we performed detailed phenotypic analysis of ms2 mutant, and the results showed that ms2 anthers are defects in synthesis and transportation of lipophilic molecules. To investigate the defects of transcriptome of ms2 anthers, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mm anthers were sampled, respectively. Among the 23 037 expressed transcripts at 1.5 mm stage, only 15 genes were differentially expressed between fertile siblings and ms2 mutant. Compared to the fewer detected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 1.5 mm stage, 950 DEG s and 2212 DEG s between the fertile siblings and ms2 anthers were detected at 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm stages. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in the secondary metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. A series of genes related to the long‐chain fatty acids metabolism process were changed in ms2 mutant compared with the fertile siblings. The results in this study provide useful information on the mechanism of male sterility in ms2 mutant.