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Li S, Jiao B, Wang J, Zhao P, Dong F, Yang F, Ma C, Guo P, Zhou S. Identification of Wheat Glutamate Synthetase Gene Family and Expression Analysis under Nitrogen Stress. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:827. [PMID: 39062606 PMCID: PMC11275450 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen (N), as the main component of biological macromolecules, maintains the basic process of plant growth and development. GOGAT, as a key enzyme in the N assimilation process, catalyzes α-ketoglutaric acid and glutamine to form glutamate. In this study, six GOGAT genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were identified and classified into two subfamilies, Fd-GOGAT (TaGOGAT2s) and NADH-GOGAT (TaGOGAT3s), according to the type of electron donor. Subcellular localization prediction showed that TaGOGAT3-D was localized in mitochondria and that the other five TaGOGATs were localized in chloroplasts. Via the analysis of promoter elements, many binding sites related to growth and development, hormone regulation and plant stress resistance regulations were found on the TaGOGAT promoters. The tissue-specificity expression analysis showed that TaGOGAT2s were mainly expressed in wheat leaves and flag leaves, while TaGOGAT3s were highly expressed in roots and leaves. The expression level of TaGOGATs and the enzyme activity of TaGOGAT3s in the leaves and roots of wheat seedlings were influenced by the treatment of N deficiency. This study conducted a systematic analysis of wheat GOGAT genes, providing a theoretical basis not only for the functional analysis of TaGOGATs, but also for the study of wheat nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Songshuo Li
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Yuxiang Street 26, Shijiazhuang 050018, China;
| | - Bo Jiao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
| | - Jiao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
| | - Pu Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
| | - Fushuang Dong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
| | - Fan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
| | - Peng Guo
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Yuxiang Street 26, Shijiazhuang 050018, China;
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China; (B.J.)
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Fortunato S, Nigro D, Lasorella C, Marcotuli I, Gadaleta A, de Pinto MC. The Role of Glutamine Synthetase (GS) and Glutamate Synthase (GOGAT) in the Improvement of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cereals. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1771. [PMID: 38136642 PMCID: PMC10742212 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cereals are the most broadly produced crops and represent the primary source of food worldwide. Nitrogen (N) is a critical mineral nutrient for plant growth and high yield, and the quality of cereal crops greatly depends on a suitable N supply. In the last decades, a massive use of N fertilizers has been achieved in the desire to have high yields of cereal crops, leading to damaging effects for the environment, ecosystems, and human health. To ensure agricultural sustainability and the required food source, many attempts have been made towards developing cereal crops with a more effective nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NUE depends on N uptake, utilization, and lastly, combining the capability to assimilate N into carbon skeletons and remobilize the N assimilated. The glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthase (GOGAT) cycle represents a crucial metabolic step of N assimilation, regulating crop yield. In this review, the physiological and genetic studies on GS and GOGAT of the main cereal crops will be examined, giving emphasis on their implications in NUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Fortunato
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.F.)
| | - Domenica Nigro
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.N.); (I.M.)
| | - Cecilia Lasorella
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.F.)
| | - Ilaria Marcotuli
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.N.); (I.M.)
| | - Agata Gadaleta
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (D.N.); (I.M.)
| | - Maria Concetta de Pinto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.F.)
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Chattha MS, Ali Q, Haroon M, Afzal MJ, Javed T, Hussain S, Mahmood T, Solanki MK, Umar A, Abbas W, Nasar S, Schwartz-Lazaro LM, Zhou L. Enhancement of nitrogen use efficiency through agronomic and molecular based approaches in cotton. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:994306. [PMID: 36237509 PMCID: PMC9552886 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.994306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cotton is a major fiber crop grown worldwide. Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for cotton production and supports efficient crop production. It is a crucial nutrient that is required more than any other. Nitrogen management is a daunting task for plants; thus, various strategies, individually and collectively, have been adopted to improve its efficacy. The negative environmental impacts of excessive N application on cotton production have become harmful to consumers and growers. The 4R's of nutrient stewardship (right product, right rate, right time, and right place) is a newly developed agronomic practice that provides a solid foundation for achieving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cotton production. Cropping systems are equally crucial for increasing production, profitability, environmental growth protection, and sustainability. This concept incorporates the right fertilizer source at the right rate, time, and place. In addition to agronomic practices, molecular approaches are equally important for improving cotton NUE. This could be achieved by increasing the efficacy of metabolic pathways at the cellular, organ, and structural levels and NUE-regulating enzymes and genes. This is a potential method to improve the role of N transporters in plants, resulting in better utilization and remobilization of N in cotton plants. Therefore, we suggest effective methods for accelerating NUE in cotton. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of agronomic and molecular approaches for improving NUE in cotton production, which benefits both the environment and growers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sohaib Chattha
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Agro-Product Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Qurban Ali
- Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Haroon
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Talha Javed
- College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Sadam Hussain
- Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Mahmood
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Manoj K. Solanki
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Aisha Umar
- Institute of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Abbas
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanza Nasar
- Department of Botany, University of Gujrat Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Lauren M. Schwartz-Lazaro
- School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Agro-Product Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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Liao HS, Chung YH, Hsieh MH. Glutamate: A multifunctional amino acid in plants. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 318:111238. [PMID: 35351313 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate (Glu) is a versatile metabolite and a signaling molecule in plants. Glu biosynthesis is associated with the primary nitrogen assimilation pathway. The conversion between Glu and 2-oxoglutarate connects Glu metabolism to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbon metabolism, and energy production. Glu is the predominant amino donor for transamination reactions in the cell. In addition to protein synthesis, Glu is a building block for tetrapyrroles, glutathione, and folate. Glu is the precursor of γ-aminobutyric acid that plays an important role in balancing carbon/nitrogen metabolism and various cellular processes. Glu can conjugate to the major auxin indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), and IAA-Glu is destined for oxidative degradation. Glu also conjugates with isochorismate for the production of salicylic acid. Accumulating evidence indicates that Glu functions as a signaling molecule to regulate plant growth, development, and defense responses. The ligand-gated Glu receptor-like proteins (GLRs) mediate some of these responses. However, many of the Glu signaling events are GLR-independent. The receptor perceiving extracellular Glu as a danger signal is still unknown. In addition to GLRs, Glu may act on receptor-like kinases or receptor-like proteins to trigger immune responses. Glu metabolism and Glu signaling may entwine to regulate growth, development, and defense responses in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sheng Liao
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Chung
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiun Hsieh
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
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Javed T, I I, Singhal RK, Shabbir R, Shah AN, Kumar P, Jinger D, Dharmappa PM, Shad MA, Saha D, Anuragi H, Adamski R, Siuta D. Recent Advances in Agronomic and Physio-Molecular Approaches for Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Crop Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:877544. [PMID: 35574130 PMCID: PMC9106419 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.877544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency with which plants use nutrients to create biomass and/or grain is determined by the interaction of environmental and plant intrinsic factors. The major macronutrients, especially nitrogen (N), limit plant growth and development (1.5-2% of dry biomass) and have a direct impact on global food supply, fertilizer demand, and concern with environmental health. In the present time, the global consumption of N fertilizer is nearly 120 MT (million tons), and the N efficiency ranges from 25 to 50% of applied N. The dynamic range of ideal internal N concentrations is extremely large, necessitating stringent management to ensure that its requirements are met across various categories of developmental and environmental situations. Furthermore, approximately 60 percent of arable land is mineral deficient and/or mineral toxic around the world. The use of chemical fertilizers adds to the cost of production for the farmers and also increases environmental pollution. Therefore, the present study focused on the advancement in fertilizer approaches, comprising the use of biochar, zeolite, and customized nano and bio-fertilizers which had shown to be effective in improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) with lower soil degradation. Consequently, adopting precision farming, crop modeling, and the use of remote sensing technologies such as chlorophyll meters, leaf color charts, etc. assist in reducing the application of N fertilizer. This study also discussed the role of crucial plant attributes such as root structure architecture in improving the uptake and transport of N efficiency. The crosstalk of N with other soil nutrients plays a crucial role in nutrient homeostasis, which is also discussed thoroughly in this analysis. At the end, this review highlights the more efficient and accurate molecular strategies and techniques such as N transporters, transgenes, and omics, which are opening up intriguing possibilities for the detailed investigation of the molecular components that contribute to nitrogen utilization efficiency, thus expanding our knowledge of plant nutrition for future global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talha Javed
- College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Indu I
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Singhal
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, India
| | - Rubab Shabbir
- College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Seed Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Noor Shah
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, India
| | - Dinesh Jinger
- Research Centre, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Anand, India
| | - Prathibha M. Dharmappa
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - Munsif Ali Shad
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Debanjana Saha
- Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatni, India
| | - Hirdayesh Anuragi
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, India
| | - Robert Adamski
- Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Łódź University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Dorota Siuta
- Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Łódź University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
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6
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Zhang C, Luo JJ, Zuo JB, Zhang Z, Wang ST, Zhang XJ, Fu TS, Feng YL. Transcripts related with ammonium use and effects of gibberellin on expressions of the transcripts responding to ammonium in two invasive and native Xanthium species. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1035137. [PMID: 36388472 PMCID: PMC9644049 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1035137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Soil nitrogen forms are important for exotic plant invasions. However, little effort has been made to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the utilization of different N forms in co-occurring invasive and native plants. The invasive plant Xanthium strumarium prefers nitrate relative to ammonium, and mainly invades nitrate-dominated environments, while it co-occurring native congener X. sibiricum prefers ammonium. Here, we addressed the genetic bases for the interspecific difference in ammonium use and the effects of gibberellin (GA). Twenty-six transcripts related with GA biosynthesis and ammonium utilization were induced by ammonium in X. sibiricum, while only ten in X. strumarium and none for ammonium uptake. XsiAMT1.1a, XsiGLN1.1 and XsiGLT1b may be crucial for the strong ability to absorb and assimilate ammonium in X. sibiricum. All tested transcripts were significantly up-regulated by GA1 and GA4 in X. sibiricum. XsiGA3OX1a, which was also induced by ammonium, may be involved in this regulation. Consistently, glutamine synthetase activity increased significantly with increasing ammonium-N/nitrate-N ratio for X. sibiricum, while decreased for X. strumarium. Our study is the first to determine the molecular mechanisms with which invasive and native plants use ammonium differently, contributing to understanding the invasion mechanisms of X. strumarium and its invasion habitat selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zhang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jia-Jun Luo
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing-Bo Zuo
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shi-Ting Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Jia Zhang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tian-Si Fu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu-Long Feng
- Liaoning Key Laboratory for Biological Invasions and Global Changes, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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7
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Wang Z, Li N, Yu Q, Wang H. Genome-Wide Characterization of Salt-Responsive miRNAs, circRNAs and Associated ceRNA Networks in Tomatoes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12238. [PMID: 34830118 PMCID: PMC8625345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil salinization is a major environmental stress that causes crop yield reductions worldwide. Therefore, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops is an effective way to sustain crop yield. Tomatoes are one of the vegetable crops that are moderately sensitive to salt stress. Global market demand for tomatoes is huge and growing. In recent years, the mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomatoes have been extensively investigated; however, the molecular mechanism through which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) respond to salt stress is not well understood. In this study, we utilized small RNA sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing technology to identify salt-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in roots of M82 cultivated tomato and Solanum pennellii (S. pennellii) wild tomato under salt stress. Based on the theory of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), we also established several salt-responsive ceRNA networks. The results showed that circRNAs could act as miRNA sponges in the regulation of target mRNAs of miRNAs, thus participating in the response to salt stress. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomatoes and serves as an effective reference for improving the salt tolerance of salt-sensitive cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Ning Li
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China;
- Key Laboratory of Horticulture Crop Genomics and Genetic Improvement in Xinjiang, Urumqi 830091, China
- College of Horticulture, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China
| | - Qinghui Yu
- Institute of Horticulture Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China;
| | - Huan Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China;
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8
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Molecular Regulatory Networks for Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169040. [PMID: 34445746 PMCID: PMC8396546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen is an important factor limiting the growth and yield of rice. However, the excessive application of nitrogen will lead to water eutrophication and economic costs. To create rice varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has always been an arduous task in rice breeding. The processes for improving NUE include nitrogen uptake, nitrogen transport from root to shoot, nitrogen assimilation, and nitrogen redistribution, with each step being indispensable to the improvement of NUE. Here, we summarize the effects of absorption, transport, and metabolism of nitrate, ammonium, and amino acids on NUE, as well as the role of hormones in improving rice NUE. Our discussion provide insight for further research in the future.
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Meng X, Wang X, Zhang Z, Xiong S, Wei Y, Guo J, Zhang J, Wang L, Ma X, Tegeder M. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and physiological studies reveal key players in wheat nitrogen use efficiency under both high and low nitrogen supply. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:4435-4456. [PMID: 33829261 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effective use of available nitrogen (N) to improve crop grain yields provides an important strategy to reduce environmental N pollution and promote sustainable agriculture. However, little is known about the common genetic basis of N use efficiency (NUE) at varying N availability. Two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were grown in the field with high, moderate, and low N supply. Cultivar Zhoumai 27 outperformed Aikang 58 independent of the N supply and showed improved growth, canopy leaf area index, flag leaf surface area, grain number, and yield, and enhanced NUE due to both higher N uptake and utilization efficiency. Further, transcriptome and proteome analyses were performed using flag leaves that provide assimilates for grain growth. The results showed that many genes or proteins that are up- or down-regulated under all N regimes are associated with N and carbon metabolism and transport. This was reinforced by cultivar differences in photosynthesis, assimilate phloem transport, and grain protein/starch yield. Overall, our study establishes that improving NUE at both high and low N supply requires distinct adjustments in leaf metabolism and assimilate partitioning. Identified key genes/proteins may individually or concurrently regulate NUE and are promising targets for maximizing crop NUE irrespective of the N supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Meng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WAUSA
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Shuping Xiong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Yihao Wei
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Jianbiao Guo
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Lulu Wang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Xinming Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengzhouChina
| | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WAUSA
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10
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The SV, Snyder R, Tegeder M. Targeting Nitrogen Metabolism and Transport Processes to Improve Plant Nitrogen Use Efficiency. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 11:628366. [PMID: 33732269 PMCID: PMC7957077 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.628366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In agricultural cropping systems, relatively large amounts of nitrogen (N) are applied for plant growth and development, and to achieve high yields. However, with increasing N application, plant N use efficiency generally decreases, which results in losses of N into the environment and subsequently detrimental consequences for both ecosystems and human health. A strategy for reducing N input and environmental losses while maintaining or increasing plant performance is the development of crops that effectively obtain, distribute, and utilize the available N. Generally, N is acquired from the soil in the inorganic forms of nitrate or ammonium and assimilated in roots or leaves as amino acids. The amino acids may be used within the source organs, but they are also the principal N compounds transported from source to sink in support of metabolism and growth. N uptake, synthesis of amino acids, and their partitioning within sources and toward sinks, as well as N utilization within sinks represent potential bottlenecks in the effective use of N for vegetative and reproductive growth. This review addresses recent discoveries in N metabolism and transport and their relevance for improving N use efficiency under high and low N conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mechthild Tegeder
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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11
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Islam S, Zhang J, Zhao Y, She M, Ma W. Genetic regulation of the traits contributing to wheat nitrogen use efficiency. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 303:110759. [PMID: 33487345 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
High nitrogen application aimed at increasing crop yield is offset by higher production costs and negative environmental consequences. For wheat, only one third of the applied nitrogen is utilized, which indicates there is scope for increasing Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE). However, achieving greater NUE is challenged by the complexity of the trait, which comprises processes associated with nitrogen uptake, transport, reduction, assimilation, translocation and remobilization. Thus, knowledge of the genetic regulation of these processes is critical in increasing NUE. Although primary nitrogen uptake and metabolism-related genes have been well studied, the relative influence of each towards NUE is not fully understood. Recent attention has focused on engineering transcription factors and identification of miRNAs acting on expression of specific genes related to NUE. Knowledge obtained from model species needs to be translated into wheat using recently-released whole genome sequences, and by exploring genetic variations of NUE-related traits in wild relatives and ancient germplasm. Recent findings indicate the genetic basis of NUE is complex. Pyramiding various genes will be the most effective approach to achieve a satisfactory level of NUE in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahidul Islam
- State Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Jingjuan Zhang
- State Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Yun Zhao
- State Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Maoyun She
- State Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Wujun Ma
- State Agricultural Biotechnology Center, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia.
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12
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Kok ADX, Mohd Yusoff NF, Sekeli R, Wee CY, Lamasudin DU, Ong-Abdullah J, Lai KS. Pluronic F-68 Improves Callus Proliferation of Recalcitrant Rice Cultivar via Enhanced Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism and Nutrients Uptake. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:667434. [PMID: 34149763 PMCID: PMC8207202 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.667434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Pluronic F-68 (PF-68) is a non-ionic surfactant used in plant tissue culture as a growth additive. Despite its usage as a plant growth enhancer, the mechanism underlying the growth-promoting effects of PF-68 remains largely unknown. Hence, this study was undertaken to elucidate the growth-promoting mechanism of PF-68 using recalcitrant MR 219 callus as a model. Supplementation of 0.04% PF-68 (optimum concentration) was shown to enhance callus proliferation. The treated callus recorded enhanced sugar content, protein content, and glutamate synthase activity as exemplified in the comparative proteome analysis, showing protein abundance involved in carbohydrate metabolism (alpha amylase), protein biosynthesis (ribosomal proteins), and nitrogen metabolism (glutamate synthase), which are crucial to plant growth and development. Moreover, an increase in nutrients uptake was also noted with potassium topping the list, suggesting a vital role of K in governing plant growth. In contrast, 0.10% PF-68 (high concentration) induced stress response in the callus, revealing an increment in phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, malondialdehyde content, and peroxidase activity, which were consistent with high abundance of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin proteins detected and concomitant with a reduced level of esterase activity. The data highlighted that incorporation of PF-68 at optimum concentration improved callus proliferation of recalcitrant MR 219 through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and nutrient uptake. However, growth-promoting effects of PF-68 are concentration dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew De-Xian Kok
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Fatihah Mohd Yusoff
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Rogayah Sekeli
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chien-Yeong Wee
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dhilia Udie Lamasudin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Janna Ong-Abdullah
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Janna Ong-Abdullah
| | - Kok-Song Lai
- Health Sciences Division, Abu Dhabi Women's College, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Kok-Song Lai
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13
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Anas M, Liao F, Verma KK, Sarwar MA, Mahmood A, Chen ZL, Li Q, Zeng XP, Liu Y, Li YR. Fate of nitrogen in agriculture and environment: agronomic, eco-physiological and molecular approaches to improve nitrogen use efficiency. Biol Res 2020; 53:47. [PMID: 33066819 PMCID: PMC7565752 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-020-00312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen is the main limiting nutrient after carbon, hydrogen and oxygen for photosynthetic process, phyto-hormonal, proteomic changes and growth-development of plants to complete its lifecycle. Excessive and inefficient use of N fertilizer results in enhanced crop production costs and atmospheric pollution. Atmospheric nitrogen (71%) in the molecular form is not available for the plants. For world's sustainable food production and atmospheric benefits, there is an urgent need to up-grade nitrogen use efficiency in agricultural farming system. The nitrogen use efficiency is the product of nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen utilization efficiency, it varies from 30.2 to 53.2%. Nitrogen losses are too high, due to excess amount, low plant population, poor application methods etc., which can go up to 70% of total available nitrogen. These losses can be minimized up to 15-30% by adopting improved agronomic approaches such as optimal dosage of nitrogen, application of N by using canopy sensors, maintaining plant population, drip fertigation and legume based intercropping. A few transgenic studies have shown improvement in nitrogen uptake and even increase in biomass. Nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase and asparagine synthetase enzyme have a great role in nitrogen metabolism. However, further studies on carbon-nitrogen metabolism and molecular changes at omic levels are required by using "whole genome sequencing technology" to improve nitrogen use efficiency. This review focus on nitrogen use efficiency that is the major concern of modern days to save economic resources without sacrificing farm yield as well as safety of global environment, i.e. greenhouse gas emissions, ammonium volatilization and nitrate leaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Anas
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Fen Liao
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Krishan K Verma
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | | | - Aamir Mahmood
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Zhong-Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Xu-Peng Zeng
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Guangxi Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Laboratory, Nanning, 530007, China.
| | - Yang-Rui Li
- College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China.
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
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14
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Li M, Xu J, Gao Z, Tian H, Gao Y, Kariman K. Genetically modified crops are superior in their nitrogen use efficiency-A meta-analysis of three major cereals. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8568. [PMID: 32444783 PMCID: PMC7244766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently uncertain to what extent genetic transformations of strategic crops (targeting diverse traits) have improved their N use efficiency (NUE), and what the key factors affecting their NUE are. Based on data collected from 130 publications, the effect sizes of genetic transformations and the key factors influencing NUE for three major cereal crops (rice, maize, and wheat), were investigated using a meta-analysis approach. Genetic transformations increased yield, shoot biomass, N uptake efficiency (NUpE), and partial factor productivity of N (PFPN) in the crops, but decreased shoot NUE (SNUE) and grain NUE (GNUE). Transporter genes improved yield and NUE parameters more efficiently, than did the other gene types. The effect sizes for some NUE parameters varied according to crop species and experimental conditions but did not differ between the overexpression and ectopic expression methods. Most effect sizes did not correlate with gene overexpression levels. These results indicate a promising potential of genetic transformations approaches for improving certain NUE parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jili Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yajun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Khalil Kariman
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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15
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Kok ADX, Wan Abdullah WMAN, Tan NP, Ong-Abdullah J, Sekeli R, Wee CY, Lai KS. Growth promoting effects of Pluronic F-68 on callus proliferation of recalcitrant rice cultivar. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:116. [PMID: 32117677 PMCID: PMC7024072 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-2118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was undertaken to evaluate growth-promoting effects of Pluronic F-68 (PF-68) on recalcitrant MR 219 rice callus. Our study shows that calli grown on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.04% PF-68 significantly increased callus proliferation by 58.80% (fresh weight) and 23.98% (dry weight) while root formation from callus was enhanced by 28.57%. Enhanced callus proliferation was supported by biochemical analysis, whereby highest amount of soluble sugar (1.77 mg/mL) and protein (0.17 mg/mL) contents were recorded in calli grown on 0.04% PF-68. Furthermore, enhanced expression of sucrose synthase (2.65-folds) and NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (1.86-folds) genes in calli grown on 0.04% PF-68 also correlates with enhanced callus proliferation. In contrast, high concentration of PF-68 (0.10%) recorded highest amount of phenolic (0.74 mg/mL), flavonoid (0.08 mg/mL), and hydrogen peroxide content (0.06 mg/mL) as compared to other treatment groups indicates activation of plant defence mechanism towards stress. Similarly, high expression of 4-coumarate:CoA ligase 3 (1.28-folds), chalcone-flavonone isomerase (1.65-folds) and ascorbate peroxidase (1.61-folds) genes were observed in calli grown on 0.10% PF-68 further supports increasing stress caused by the high concentration of PF-68. Taken together, our study revealed that optimum concentration of PF-68 could improve recalcitrant rice callus proliferation via enhanced sugar metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis which are crucial towards plant growth and development. However, at high concentration, PF-68 induces stress in plant which enhance the production of secondary metabolite to maintain cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew De-Xian Kok
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Wan Muhamad Asrul Nizam Wan Abdullah
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Ngai-Paing Tan
- Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Janna Ong-Abdullah
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Rogayah Sekeli
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chien-Yeong Wee
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Song Lai
- Health Sciences Division, Abu Dhabi Women’s College, Higher Colleges of Technology, 41012 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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16
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Cañas RA, Yesbergenova-Cuny Z, Belanger L, Rouster J, Brulé L, Gilard F, Quilleré I, Sallaud C, Hirel B. NADH-GOGAT Overexpression Does Not Improve Maize ( Zea mays L .) Performance Even When Pyramiding with NAD-IDH, GDH and GS. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E130. [PMID: 31973049 PMCID: PMC7076717 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Maize plants overexpressing NADH-GOGAT were produced in order to determine if boosting 2-Oxoglurate production used as a carbon skeleton for the biosynthesis of amino acids will improve plant biomass and kernel production. The NADH-GOGAT enzyme recycles glutamate and incorporates carbon skeletons into the ammonium assimilation pathway using the organic acid 2-Oxoglutarate as a substrate. Gene pyramiding was then conducted with NAD-IDH and NADH-GDH, two enzymes also involved in the synthesis of 2-Oxoglurate. NADH-GOGAT overexpression was detrimental for shoot biomass production but did not markedly affect kernel yield. Additional NAD-IDH and NADH-GDH activity did not improve plant performance. A decrease in kernel production was observed when NADH-GDH was pyramided to NADH-GOGAT and NAD-IDH. This decrease could not be restored even when additional cytosolic GS activity was present in the plants overexpressing the three enzymes producing 2-Oxoglutarate. Detailed leaf metabolic profiling of the different transgenic plants revealed that the NADH-GOGAT over-expressors were characterized by an accumulation of amino acids derived from glutamate and a decrease in the amount of carbohydrates further used to provide carbon skeletons for its synthesis. The study suggests that 2-Oxoglutarate synthesis is a key element acting at the interface of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and that its accumulation induces an imbalance of primary carbon and nitrogen metabolism that is detrimental for maize productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A. Cañas
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, RD10, 78026 Versailles, CEDEX, France (Z.Y.-C.); (L.B.); (L.B.); (I.Q.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Zhazira Yesbergenova-Cuny
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, RD10, 78026 Versailles, CEDEX, France (Z.Y.-C.); (L.B.); (L.B.); (I.Q.)
| | - Léo Belanger
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, RD10, 78026 Versailles, CEDEX, France (Z.Y.-C.); (L.B.); (L.B.); (I.Q.)
| | - Jacques Rouster
- BIOGEMMA, GM Trait Discovery, Site de la Garenne, Route d’Ennezat, CS 90126, F-63720 Chappes, France; (J.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Lenaïg Brulé
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, RD10, 78026 Versailles, CEDEX, France (Z.Y.-C.); (L.B.); (L.B.); (I.Q.)
| | - Françoise Gilard
- IPS2/Plateforme Métabolisme-Métabolome, Institute of Plant Sciences Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Université Paris-Sud, Université Evry, Université Paris-Diderot, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France;
| | - Isabelle Quilleré
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, RD10, 78026 Versailles, CEDEX, France (Z.Y.-C.); (L.B.); (L.B.); (I.Q.)
| | - Christophe Sallaud
- BIOGEMMA, GM Trait Discovery, Site de la Garenne, Route d’Ennezat, CS 90126, F-63720 Chappes, France; (J.R.); (C.S.)
| | - Bertrand Hirel
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, RD10, 78026 Versailles, CEDEX, France (Z.Y.-C.); (L.B.); (L.B.); (I.Q.)
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17
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Dellero Y. Manipulating Amino Acid Metabolism to Improve Crop Nitrogen Use Efficiency for a Sustainable Agriculture. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:602548. [PMID: 33329673 PMCID: PMC7733991 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.602548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In a context of a growing worldwide food demand coupled to the need to develop a sustainable agriculture, it is crucial to improve crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) while reducing field N inputs. Classical genetic approaches based on natural allelic variations existing within crops have led to the discovery of quantitative trait loci controlling NUE under low nitrogen conditions; however, the identification of candidate genes from mapping studies is still challenging. Amino acid metabolism is the cornerstone of plant N management, which involves N uptake, assimilation, and remobilization efficiencies, and it is finely regulated during acclimation to low N conditions and other abiotic stresses. Over the last two decades, biotechnological engineering of amino acid metabolism has led to promising results for the improvement of crop NUE, and more recently under low N conditions. This review summarizes current work carried out in crops and provides perspectives on the identification of new candidate genes and future strategies for crop improvement.
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18
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Nowicka B. Target genes for plant productivity improvement. J Biotechnol 2019; 298:21-34. [PMID: 30978366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the development of high-yielding varieties enabled substantial increase in crop productivity during the 20th century. However, the increase in yield over the last two decades has been slower. It is thought that further improvement in productivity of the major crop species using traditional cultivation methods is limited. Therefore, the use of genetic engineering seems to be a promising approach. There is ongoing research concerning genes that have an impact on plant growth, development and yield. The proteins and miRNAs encoded by these genes participate in a variety of processes, such as growth regulation, assimilate transport and partitioning as well as macronutrient uptake and metabolism. This paper presents the major directions in research concerning genes that may be targets of genetic engineering aimed to improve plant productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrycze Nowicka
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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19
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Nowicka B, Ciura J, Szymańska R, Kruk J. Improving photosynthesis, plant productivity and abiotic stress tolerance - current trends and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 231:415-433. [PMID: 30412849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
With unfavourable climate changes and an increasing global population, there is a great need for more productive and stress-tolerant crops. As traditional methods of crop improvement have probably reached their limits, a further increase in the productivity of crops is expected to be possible using genetic engineering. The number of potential genes and metabolic pathways, which when genetically modified could result in improved photosynthesis and biomass production, is multiple. Photosynthesis, as the only source of carbon required for the growth and development of plants, attracts much attention is this respect, especially the question concerning how to improve CO2 fixation and limit photorespiration. The most promising direction for increasing CO2 assimilation is implementating carbon concentrating mechanisms found in cyanobacteria and algae into crop plants, while hitherto performed experiments on improving the CO2 fixation versus oxygenation reaction catalyzed by Rubisco are less encouraging. On the other hand, introducing the C4 pathway into C3 plants is a very difficult challenge. Among other points of interest for increased biomass production is engineering of metabolic regulation, certain proteins, nucleic acids or phytohormones. In this respect, enhanced sucrose synthesis, assimilate translocation to sink organs and starch synthesis is crucial, as is genetic engineering of the phytohormone metabolism. As abiotic stress tolerance is one of the key factors determining crop productivity, extensive studies are being undertaken to develop transgenic plants characterized by elevated stress resistance. This can be accomplished due to elevated synthesis of antioxidants, osmoprotectants and protective proteins. Among other promising targets for the genetic engineering of plants with elevated stress resistance are transcription factors that play a key role in abiotic stress responses of plants. In this review, most of the approaches to improving the productivity of plants that are potentially promising and have already been undertaken are described. In addition to this, the limitations faced, potential challenges and possibilities regarding future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrycze Nowicka
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Joanna Ciura
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Renata Szymańska
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Reymonta 19, 30-059 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Jerzy Kruk
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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20
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Beatty PH, Klein MS, Fischer JJ, Lewis IA, Muench DG, Good AG. Understanding Plant Nitrogen Metabolism through Metabolomics and Computational Approaches. PLANTS 2016; 5:plants5040039. [PMID: 27735856 PMCID: PMC5198099 DOI: 10.3390/plants5040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of plant metabolism could provide a direct mechanism for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops. One of the major barriers to achieving this outcome is our poor understanding of the complex metabolic networks, physiological factors, and signaling mechanisms that affect NUE in agricultural settings. However, an exciting collection of computational and experimental approaches has begun to elucidate whole-plant nitrogen usage and provides an avenue for connecting nitrogen-related phenotypes to genes. Herein, we describe how metabolomics, computational models of metabolism, and flux balance analysis have been harnessed to advance our understanding of plant nitrogen metabolism. We introduce a model describing the complex flow of nitrogen through crops in a real-world agricultural setting and describe how experimental metabolomics data, such as isotope labeling rates and analyses of nutrient uptake, can be used to refine these models. In summary, the metabolomics/computational approach offers an exciting mechanism for understanding NUE that may ultimately lead to more effective crop management and engineered plants with higher yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrin H Beatty
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 85 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Matthias S Klein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Jeffrey J Fischer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Ian A Lewis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Douglas G Muench
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Allen G Good
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 85 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
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21
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Lu J, Zhang L, Lewis RS, Bovet L, Goepfert S, Jack AM, Crutchfield JD, Ji H, Dewey RE. Expression of a constitutively active nitrate reductase variant in tobacco reduces tobacco-specific nitrosamine accumulation in cured leaves and cigarette smoke. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:1500-10. [PMID: 26800860 PMCID: PMC5066804 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Burley tobaccos (Nicotiana tabacum) display a nitrogen-use-deficiency phenotype that is associated with the accumulation of high levels of nitrate within the leaf, a trait correlated with production of a class of compounds referred to as tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Two TSNA species, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), have been shown to be strong carcinogens in numerous animal studies. We investigated the potential of molecular genetic strategies to lower nitrate levels in burley tobaccos by overexpressing genes encoding key enzymes of the nitrogen-assimilation pathway. Of the various constructs tested, only the expression of a constitutively active nitrate reductase (NR) dramatically decreased free nitrate levels in the leaves. Field-grown tobacco plants expressing this NR variant exhibited greatly reduced levels of TSNAs in both cured leaves and mainstream smoke of cigarettes made from these materials. Decreasing leaf nitrate levels via expression of a constitutively active NR enzyme represents an exceptionally promising means for reducing the production of NNN and NNK, two of the most well-documented animal carcinogens found in tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Lu
- Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Leichen Zhang
- Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ramsey S Lewis
- Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Lucien Bovet
- Philip Morris International R&D, Philip Morris Products SA, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Simon Goepfert
- Philip Morris International R&D, Philip Morris Products SA, Neuchatel, Switzerland
| | - Anne M Jack
- Kentucky Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - James D Crutchfield
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Huihua Ji
- Kentucky Research and Development Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ralph E Dewey
- Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Ikeda H, Shibuya T, Imanishi S, Aso H, Nishiyama M, Kanayama Y. Dynamic Metabolic Regulation by a Chromosome Segment from a Wild Relative During Fruit Development in a Tomato Introgression Line, IL8-3. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 57:1257-1270. [PMID: 27076398 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcw075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We performed comparative metabolome and transcriptome analyses throughout fruit development using the tomato cultivar M82 and its near-isogenic line IL8-3, with interesting and useful traits such as a high content of soluble solids. Marked differences between M82 and IL8-3 were found not only in ripe fruits but also at 20 days after flowering (DAF) in the hierarchical clustering analysis of the metabolome, whereas patterns were similar between the two genotypes at 10 and 30 DAF. Our metabolome analysis conclusively showed that 20 DAF is an important stage of fruit metabolism and that the Solanum pennellii introgressed region in IL8-3 plays a key role in metabolic changes at this stage. Carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism were found to be promoted in IL8-3 at 20 DAF and the ripening stage, respectively, whereas transcriptome analysis showed no marked differences between the two genotypes, indicating that dynamic metabolic regulation at 20 DAF and the ripening stage was controlled by relatively few genes. The transcript levels of the cell wall invertase (LIN6) and sucrose synthase (TOMSSF) genes in starch and sucrose metabolic pathway and that of the glutamate synthase (SlGOGAT) gene in the amino acid metabolic pathway in IL8-3 fruit were higher than those in M82, and SlGOGAT expression was enhanced under high-sugar conditions. The results suggest that the promotion of carbohydrate metabolism by LIN6 and TOMSSF in IL8-3 fruit at 20 DAF affects SlGOGAT expression and amino acid accumulation via higher sugar concentration at the late stage of fruit development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ikeda
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan Present address: (H. Ikeda), NARO Tohoku Agricultural Research Center, Morioka 020-0198, Japan
| | - Tomoki Shibuya
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan
| | - Shunsuke Imanishi
- NARO Institute of Vegetable and Tea Science, 360 Kusawa, Ano, Tsu, 514-2392 Japan
| | - Hisashi Aso
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan
| | - Manabu Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kanayama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan
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Garnett T, Plett D, Heuer S, Okamoto M. Genetic approaches to enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in cereals: challenges and future directions. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2015; 42:921-941. [PMID: 32480734 DOI: 10.1071/fp15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Over 100million tonnes of nitrogen (N) fertiliser are applied globally each year to maintain high yields in agricultural crops. The rising price of N fertilisers has made them a major cost for farmers. Inefficient use of N fertiliser leads to substantial environmental problems through contamination of air and water resources and can be a significant economic cost. Consequently, there is considerable need to improve the way N fertiliser is used in farming systems. The efficiency with which crops use applied N fertiliser - the nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) - is currently quite low for cereals. This is the case in both high yielding environments and lower yielding environments characteristic of cereal growing regions of Australia. Multiple studies have attempted to identify the genetic basis of NUE, but the utility of the results is limited because of the complex nature of the trait and the magnitude of genotype by environment interaction. Transgenic approaches have been applied to improve plant NUE but with limited success, due, in part, to a combination of the complexity of the trait but also due to lack of accurate phenotyping methods. This review documents these two approaches and suggests future directions in improving cereal NUE with a focus on the Australian cereal industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Garnett
- Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Darren Plett
- Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Sigrid Heuer
- Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Mamoru Okamoto
- Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia
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Fischer JJ, Beatty PH, Good AG, Muench DG. Manipulation of microRNA expression to improve nitrogen use efficiency. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 210:70-81. [PMID: 23849115 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen is the key limiting nutrient required for plant growth. The application of nitrogen-based fertilizers to crops has risen dramatically in recent years, resulting in significant yield increases. However, increased production has come at the cost of substantial negative environmental consequences. Higher crop production costs, increased consumption of food and fertilizer, and a growing global population have led to calls for a "second green revolution" using modern genetic manipulation techniques to improve the production, yield, and quality of crops. Considerable research is being directed toward the study and engineering of nitrogen use efficiency in crop plants. The end goal is to reduce the amount of nitrogen-based fertilizer used and thereby reduce production costs and environmental damage while increasing yields. In this review, we present an overview of recent advances in understanding the regulation of nitrogen metabolism by the action of microRNAs with a view toward engineering crops with increased nitrogen use efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Fischer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4
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Martínez-Andújar C, Ghanem ME, Albacete A, Pérez-Alfocea F. Response to nitrate/ammonium nutrition of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants overexpressing a prokaryotic NH4(+)-dependent asparagine synthetase. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 170:676-87. [PMID: 23394787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen availability is an important limiting factor for plant growth. Although NH4(+) assimilation is energetically more favorable than NO3(-), it is usually toxic for plants. In order to study if an improved ammonium assimilatory metabolism could increase the plant tolerance to ammonium nutrition, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv P-73) plants were transformed with an NH4(+)-dependent asparagine synthetase (AS-A) gene from Escherichia coli (asnA) under the control of a PCpea promoter (pea isolated constitutive promotor). Homozygous (Hom), azygous (Az) asnA and wild type (WT) plants were grown hydroponically for 6 weeks with normal Hoagland nutrition (NO3(-)/NH4(+)=6/0.5) and high ammonium nutrition (NO3(-)/NH4(+)=3.5/3). Under Hoagland's conditions, Hom plants produced 40-50% less biomass than WT and Az plants. However, under NO3(-)/NH4(+)=3.5/3 the biomass of Hom was not affected while it was reduced by 40-70% in WT and Az plants compared to Hoagland, respectively. The Hom plants accumulated 1.5-4 times more asparagine, glycine, serine and soluble proteins and registered higher glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) activities in the light-adapted leaves than the other genotypes, but had similar NH4(+) and NO3(-) levels in all conditions. In the dark-adapted leaves, a protein catabolism occurred in the Hom plants with a concomitant 25-40% increase in organic acid concentration, while asparagine accumulation registered the highest values. The aforementioned processes might be responsible for a positive energetic balance as regards the futile cycle of the transgenic protein synthesis and catabolism. This explains growth penalty under standard nutrition and growth stability under NO3(-)/NH4(+)=3.5/3, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Martínez-Andújar
- Departamento de Nutrición Vegetal, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, E-30100, Murcia, Spain.
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McAllister CH, Beatty PH, Good AG. Engineering nitrogen use efficient crop plants: the current status. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2012; 10:1011-25. [PMID: 22607381 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2012.00700.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In the last 40 years the amount of synthetic nitrogen (N) applied to crops has risen drastically, resulting in significant increases in yield but with considerable impacts on the environment. A requirement for crops that require decreased N fertilizer levels has been recognized in the call for a 'Second Green Revolution' and research in the field of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has continued to grow. This has prompted a search to identify genes that improve the NUE of crop plants, with candidate NUE genes existing in pathways relating to N uptake, assimilation, amino acid biosynthesis, C/N storage and metabolism, signalling and regulation of N metabolism and translocation, remobilization and senescence. Herein is a review of the approaches taken to determine possible NUE candidate genes, an overview of experimental study of these genes as effectors of NUE in both cereal and non-cereal plants and the processes of commercialization of enhanced NUE crop plants. Patents issued regarding increased NUE in plants as well as gene pyramiding studies are also discussed as well as future directions of NUE research.
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Chardon F, Noël V, Masclaux-Daubresse C. Exploring NUE in crops and in Arabidopsis ideotypes to improve yield and seed quality. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2012; 63:3401-12. [PMID: 22231501 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/err353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that crop yields are showing a trend of stagnation in many countries. This review aims to make an inventory of the last decade's crop productions and the associated economic and environmental challenges. Manipulating nitrogen use efficiency in crops appears to be the best way to conciliate global food security, respecting environmental policies, and the need to produce biofuels. In such a context, the specifications of ideal plants for the future are discussed with regards to human needs and taking into account current physiological and genetic knowledge. The approaches undertaken so far to design an ideal crop and to find suitable new germplasms are discussed. The interest in using model plants in agronomic research is illustrated through the recent data provided by studies exploring natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Efficient Arabidopsis ideotypes are proposed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Chardon
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, INRA Centre de Versailles-Grignon, Route de St-Cyr, Versailles Cedex, France
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Abstract
Crop productivity relies heavily on nitrogen (N) fertilization. Production and application of N fertilizers consume huge amounts of energy, and excess is detrimental to the environment; therefore, increasing plant N use efficiency (NUE) is essential for the development of sustainable agriculture. Plant NUE is inherently complex, as each step-including N uptake, translocation, assimilation, and remobilization-is governed by multiple interacting genetic and environmental factors. The limiting factors in plant metabolism for maximizing NUE are different at high and low N supplies, indicating great potential for improving the NUE of current cultivars, which were bred in well-fertilized soil. Decreasing environmental losses and increasing the productivity of crop-acquired N requires the coordination of carbohydrate and N metabolism to give high yields. Increasing both the grain and N harvest index to drive N acquisition and utilization are important approaches for breeding future high-NUE cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
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29
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Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Crops for Sustainable Agriculture. SUSTAINABILITY 2011. [DOI: 10.3390/su3091452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Suppression of glutamate synthase genes significantly affects carbon and nitrogen metabolism in rice (Oryza sativa L.). SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2011; 54:651-63. [PMID: 21748588 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-011-4191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa) glutamate synthase (GOGAT, EC 1.4.1.14) enzymes have been proposed to have great potential for improving nitrogen use efficiency, but their functions in vivo and their effects on carbon and nitrogen metabolism have not been systematically explored. In this research, we analyzed transcriptional profiles of rice GOGAT genes using a genome-wide microarray database, and investigated the effects of suppression of glutamate synthase genes on carbon and nitrogen metabolism using GOGAT co-suppressed rice plants. Transcriptional profiles showed that rice GOGAT genes were expressed differently in various tissues and organs, which suggested that they have different roles in vivo. Compared with the wild-type, tiller number, total shoot dry weight, and yield of GOGAT co-suppressed plants were significantly decreased. Physiological and biochemical studies showed that the contents of nitrate, several kinds of free amino acids, chlorophyll, sugars, sugar phosphates, and pyridine nucleotides were significantly decreased in leaves of GOGAT co-suppressed plants, but the contents of free ammonium, 2-oxoglutarate, and isocitrate in leaves were increased. We conclude that GOGATs play essential roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and that they are indispensable for efficient nitrogen assimilation in rice.
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Abiko T, Wakayama M, Kawakami A, Obara M, Kisaka H, Miwa T, Aoki N, Ohsugi R. Changes in nitrogen assimilation, metabolism, and growth in transgenic rice plants expressing a fungal NADP(H)-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (gdhA). PLANTA 2010; 232:299-311. [PMID: 20443025 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-010-1172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In plants, glutamine synthetase (GS) is the enzyme that is mainly responsible for the assimilation of ammonium. Conversely, in microorganisms such as bacteria and Ascomycota, NADP(H)-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and GS both have important roles in ammonium assimilation. Here, we report the changes in nitrogen assimilation, metabolism, growth, and grain yield of rice plants caused by an ectopic expression of NADP(H)-GDH (gdhA) from the fungus Aspergillus niger in the cytoplasm. An investigation of the kinetic properties of purified recombinant protein showed that the fungal gdhA had 5.4-10.2 times higher V(max) value and 15.9-43.1 times higher K(m) value for NH(4)(+), compared with corresponding values for rice cytosolic GS as reported in the literature. These results suggested that the introduction of fungal GDH into rice could modify its ammonium assimilation pathway. We therefore expressed gdhA in the cytoplasm of rice plants. NADP(H)-GDH activities in the gdhA-transgenic lines were markedly higher than those in a control line. Tracer experiments by feeding with (15)NH(4)(+) showed that the introduced gdhA, together with the endogenous GS, directly assimilated NH(4)(+) absorbed from the roots. Furthermore, in comparison with the control line, the transgenic lines showed an increase in dry weight and nitrogen content when sufficient nitrogen was present, but did not do so under low-nitrogen conditions. Under field condition, the transgenic line examined showed a significant increase in grain yield in comparison with the control line. These results suggest that the introduction of fungal gdhA into rice plants could lead to better growth and higher grain yield by enhancing the assimilation of ammonium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Abiko
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Hinchee M, Rottmann W, Mullinax L, Zhang C, Chang S, Cunningham M, Pearson L, Nehra N. Short-rotation woody crops for bioenergy and biofuels applications. IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. PLANT : JOURNAL OF THE TISSUE CULTURE ASSOCIATION 2009; 45:619-629. [PMID: 19936031 PMCID: PMC2778772 DOI: 10.1007/s11627-009-9235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose-grown trees will be part of the bioenergy solution in the United States, especially in the Southeast where plantation forestry is prevalent and economically important. Trees provide a "living biomass inventory" with existing end-use markets and associated infrastructure, unlike other biomass species such as perennial grasses. The economic feasibility of utilizing tree biomass is improved by increasing productivity through alternative silvicultural systems, improved breeding and biotechnology. Traditional breeding and selection, as well as the introduction of genes for improved growth and stress tolerance, have enabled high growth rates and improved site adaptability in trees grown for industrial applications. An example is the biotechnology-aided improvement of a highly productive tropical Eucalyptus hybrid, Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla. This tree has acquired freeze tolerance by the introduction of a plant transcription factor that up-regulates the cold-response pathways and makes possible commercial plantings in the Southeastern United States. Transgenic trees with reduced lignin, modified lignin, or increased cellulose and hemicellulose will improve the efficiency of feedstock conversion into biofuels. Reduced lignin trees have been shown to improve efficiency in the pre-treatment step utilized in fermentation systems for biofuels production from lignocellulosics. For systems in which thermochemical or gasification approaches are utilized, increased density will be an important trait, while increased lignin might be a desired trait for direct firing or co-firing of wood for energy. Trees developed through biotechnology, like all transgenic plants, need to go through the regulatory process, which involves biosafety and risk assessment analyses prior to commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Hinchee
- ArborGen, LLC, P.O. Box 840001, Summerville, SC 29484 USA
| | | | | | | | - Shujun Chang
- ArborGen, LLC, P.O. Box 840001, Summerville, SC 29484 USA
| | | | - Leslie Pearson
- ArborGen, LLC, P.O. Box 840001, Summerville, SC 29484 USA
| | - Narender Nehra
- ArborGen, LLC, P.O. Box 840001, Summerville, SC 29484 USA
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Senthilvel S, Vinod KK, Malarvizhi P, Maheswaran M. QTL and QTL x environment effects on agronomic and nitrogen acquisition traits in rice. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2008; 50:1108-17. [PMID: 18844779 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2008.00713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural environments deteriorate due to excess nitrogen application. Breeding for low nitrogen responsive genotypes can reduce soil nitrogen input. Rice genotypes respond variably to soil available nitrogen. The present study attempted quantification of genotype x nitrogen level interaction and mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and other associated agronomic traits. Twelve parameters were observed across a set of 82 double haploid (DH) lines derived from IR64/Azucena. Three nitrogen regimes namely, native (0 kg/ha; no nitrogen applied), optimum (100 kg/ha) and high (200 kg/ha) replicated thrice were the environments. The parents and DH lines were significantly varying for all traits under different nitrogen regimes. All traits except plant height recorded significant genotype x environment interaction. Individual plant yield was positively correlated with nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen uptake. Sixteen QTLs were detected by composite interval mapping. Eleven QTLs showed significant QTL x environment interactions. On chromosome 3, seven QTLs were detected associated with nitrogen use, plant yield and associated traits. A QTL region between markers RZ678, RZ574 and RZ284 was associated with nitrogen use and yield. This chromosomal region was enriched with expressed gene sequences of known key nitrogen assimilation genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senapathy Senthilvel
- Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India
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35
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Genetic Engineering of Amino Acid Metabolism in Plants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1755-0408(07)01003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
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36
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Fouad WM, Rathinasabapathi B. Expression of bacterial L-aspartate-alpha-decarboxylase in tobacco increases beta-alanine and pantothenate levels and improves thermotolerance. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 60:495-505. [PMID: 16525887 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-005-4844-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Accepted: 11/07/2005] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
L- Aspartate-alpha-decarboxylase catalyzes the decarboxylation of L -aspartate to generate Beta-alanine and carbon dioxide. This is an unusual pyruvoyl-dependent enzyme unique to prokaryotes that undergoes limited self-processing. The Escherichia coli pan D gene encoding L- aspartate-alpha-decarboxylase was expressed under a constitutive promoter in transgenic tobacco. Transgene expression was verified by assays based on RNA blots, immunoblots and enzyme activity in vitro. The pan D lines had increased levels of leaf Beta-alanine (1.2- to 4-fold), pantothenate (3.2- to 4.1-fold) and total free amino acids (up to 3.7-fold) compared to wild-type and vector controls. Growth of homozygous lines expressing E. coli L- aspartate-alpha-decarboxylase was less affected than that of the control lines when the plants were stressed for 1 week at 35 degrees C. When transferred from 35 to 30 degrees C for 3 weeks, the Pan D transgenic lines recovered significantly (P
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid M Fouad
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690, USA
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Feraud M, Masclaux-Daubresse C, Ferrario-Méry S, Pageau K, Lelandais M, Ziegler C, Leboeuf E, Jouglet T, Viret L, Spampinato A, Paganelli V, Hammouda MB, Suzuki A. Expression of a ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase gene in mesophyll and vascular cells and functions of the enzyme in ammonium assimilation in Nicotiana tabacum (L.). PLANTA 2005; 222:667-77. [PMID: 16034598 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-005-0013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2004] [Accepted: 03/07/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
GLU1 encodes the major ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase (Fd-GOGAT, EC 1.4.7.1) in Arabidopsis thaliana (ecotype Columbia). With the aim of providing clues on the role of Fd-GOGAT, we analyzed the expression of Fd-GOGAT in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Xanthi). The 5' flanking element of GLU1 directed the expression of the uidA reporter gene in the palisade and spongy parenchyma of mesophyll, in the phloem cells of vascular tissue and in the roots of tobacco. White light, red light or sucrose induced GUS expression in the dark-grown seedlings in a pattern similar to the GLU1 mRNA accumulation in Arabidopsis. The levels of GLU2 mRNA encoding the second Fd-GOGAT and NADH-glutamate synthase (NADH-GOGAT, EC 1.4.1.14) were not affected by light. Both in the light and in darkness, (15)NH4(+) was incorporated into [5-(15)N]glutamine and [2-(15)N]glutamate by glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) and Fd-GOGAT in leaf disks of transgenic tobacco expressing antisense Fd-GOGAT mRNA and in wild-type tobacco. In the light, low level of Fd-glutamate synthase limited the [2-(15)N]glutamate synthesis in transgenic leaf disks. The efficient dark labeling of [2-(15)N]glutamate in the antisense transgenic tobacco leaves indicates that the remaining Fd-GOGAT (15-20% of the wild-type activity) was not the main limiting factor in the dark ammonium assimilation. The antisense tobacco under high CO2 contained glutamine, glutamate, asparagine and aspartate as the bulk of the nitrogen carriers in leaves (62.5%), roots (69.9%) and phloem exudates (53.2%). The levels of glutamate, asparagine and aspartate in the transgenic phloem exudates were similar to the wild-type levels while the glutamine level increased. The proportion of these amino acids remained unchanged in the roots of the transgenic plants. Expression of GLU1 in mesophyll cells implies that Fd-GOGAT assimilates photorespiratory and primary ammonium. GLU1 expression in vascular cells indicates that Fd-GOGAT provides amino acids for nitrogen translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Feraud
- Unité de Nutrition Azotée des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Route de St-Cyr, 78026, Versailles cedex, France
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Suzuki A, Knaff DB. Glutamate synthase: structural, mechanistic and regulatory properties, and role in the amino acid metabolism. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2005; 83:191-217. [PMID: 16143852 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-004-3478-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2004] [Accepted: 09/20/2004] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium ion assimilation constitutes a central metabolic pathway in many organisms, and glutamate synthase, in concert with glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2), plays the primary role of ammonium ion incorporation into glutamine and glutamate. Glutamate synthase occurs in three forms that can be distinguished based on whether they use NADPH (NADPH-GOGAT, EC 1.4.1.13), NADH (NADH-GOGAT, EC 1.4.1.14) or reduced ferredoxin (Fd-GOGAT, EC 1.4.7.1) as the electron donor for the (two-electron) conversion of L-glutamine plus 2-oxoglutarate to L-glutamate. The distribution of these three forms of glutamate synthase in different tissues is quite specific to the organism in question. Gene structures have been determined for Fd-, NADH- and NADPH-dependent glutamate synthases from different organisms, as shown by searches in nucleic acid sequence data banks. Fd-glutamate synthase contains two electron-carrying prosthetic groups, the redox properties of which are discussed. A description of the ferredoxin binding by Fd-glutamate synthase is also presented. In plants, including nitrogen-fixing legumes, Fd-glutamate synthase and NADH-glutamate synthase supply glutamate during the nitrogen assimilation and translocation. The biological functions of Fd-glutamate synthase and NADH-glutamate synthase, which show a highly tissue-specific distribution pattern, are tightly related to the regulation by the light and metabolite sensing systems. Analysis of mutants and transgenic studies have provided insights into the primary individual functions of Fd-glutamate synthase and NADH-glutamate synthase. These studies also provided evidence that glutamate dehydrogenase (NADH-GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) does not represent a significant alternate route for glutamate formation in plants. Taken together, biochemical analysis and genetic and molecular data imply that Fd-glutamate synthase incorporates photorespiratory and non-photorespiratory ammonium and provides nitrogen for transport to maintain nitrogen status in plants. Fd-glutamate synthase also plays a role that is redundant, in several important aspects, to that played by NADH-glutamate synthase in ammonium assimilation and nitrogen transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Suzuki
- Unité de Nutrition Azotée des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Route de Saint-Cyr, 78026 Versailles cedex, France.
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Good AG, Shrawat AK, Muench DG. Can less yield more? Is reducing nutrient input into the environment compatible with maintaining crop production? TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2004; 9:597-605. [PMID: 15564127 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2004.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant scientists have long recognized the need to develop crops that absorb and use nutrients more efficiently. Two approaches have been used to increase nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in crop plants. The first involves both traditional breeding and marker-assisted selection in an attempt to identify the genes involved. The second uses novel gene constructs designed to improve specific aspects of NUE. Here, we discuss some recent developments in the genetic manipulation of NUE in crop plants and argue that an improved understanding of the transition between nitrogen assimilation and nitrogen recycling will be important in applying this technology to increasing crop yields. Moreover, we emphasize the need to combine genetic and transgenic approaches to make significant improvements in NUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen G Good
- Department of Biological Sciences, G-425, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9.
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