Discovering the key genes responsible for deep-sowing germination is very meaningful to cultivate maize varieties with strong germination ability in soil. In this study, Zm MYB59 gene whose functions remain unknown was successfully cloned. Subcellular localization showed that Zm MYB59 was localized in the nucleus. By analysing cis-acting elements of its promoter sequence, many elements of MYB binding domain responsive to hormones (particularly gibberellin, GA) were found. On this basis, Zm MYB59 expression in different sowing depths, germination stages, tissues and treatments was analysed by real-time PCR. Zm MYB59 expression levels in embryos or seedlings were significantly decreased with the increase in sowing depth at 2 days or 4 days after sowing ( DAS). Further analysis showed that its expression in mesocotyls was also significantly downregulated with the increase in sowing depth at both 6 DAS and 8 DAS. Similarly, seed soaking with 10-5 M GA3 inhibited Zm MYB59 expression in mesocotyls at 3 DAS. These results suggest that Zm MYB59 may play a negative regulatory role in seed germination in deep soil and the regulation is involved in GA signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]