真菌病害是全世界范围内导致玉米减产的最主要因素之一。研究探索玉米对致病真菌的生物化学抗性机制对实现玉米的节投增产，保障地区粮食安全有重要意义。申请人在前期的比较代谢组分析结果中发现了一类玉米新型抗真菌次生代谢产物乙酰基阿魏酸蔗糖苷。本项目计划（1）通过比较转录组分析与体外蛋白实验筛选验证玉米基因组中的乙酰基阿魏酸蔗糖苷合成基因；（2）构建稳定转基因玉米品系测定乙酰基阿魏酸蔗糖苷在植物体内的广谱抗真菌功能；（3）通过启动子功能研究结合植物抗逆激素与生物胁迫处理初步解析乙酰基阿魏酸蔗糖苷合成基因所受的上游生理调控机制。通过这一系列研究，本项目旨在全面探索乙酰基阿魏酸蔗糖苷的生物合成、生态功能、与生理调控，为后续针对这类代谢物各个方面的细致研究建立基础。该研究将在植物苯丙酸蔗糖苷类代谢物的合成调控机制方面取得由零到一的突破，并为这类代谢物在农业领域的应用作出重要探索。

Fungal diseases are a major contributing factor to yield loss in maize (Zea mays) production worldwide. Investigation of maize biochemical defense mechanism against fungal pathogen could have profound benefits for sustainable maize production and regional food security. In a published comparative metabolomics study, we have identified a novel class of the antifungal specialized metabolites in maize, acetylated feruloylsucrose (AFS). In this project, we propose to (1) identify AFS biosynthetic genes through comparative transcriptomics analysis and in vitro protein purification followed by enzymatic assays, (2) produce stable transgenic materials to evaluate the in planta antifungal activity of AFS, and (3) elucidate the upstream physiological regulatory mechanism of AFS biosynthesis through promoter function analysis, phytohormone treatments, and biotic stress treatments. Through this study we will further explore the biosynthesis, ecological function, and physiological regulation of AFS in maize, setting the stage for detailed studies in each of these perspectives. This project represents the first step towards the elucidation of biosynthesis and regulation of phenylpropanoid sucrose esters in plants, and could promote the application of this class of compounds in sustainable agriculture.