Transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes regulate gene expression in oxygen-deprived roots of maize.

To investigate the regulation of gene expression in maize ( Zea mays L.) in response to oxygen deprivation (flooding), we quantitated run-on transcription in isolated nuclei, steady-state mRNA accumulation and mRNA loading with ribosomes for seven genes that encode proteins synthesized predominantly in oxygen-deprived roots (anaerobic polypeptides) and seven genes that encode proteins synthesized in aerobic roots (aerobic polypeptides). Run-on transcription of anaerobic polypeptide genes was induced in response to oxygen deprivation and run-on transcription of the aerobic polypeptide genes continued during the stress treatment.