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Wu ZH, Li F, Wang F, Jin R, Li Y, Li S, Zhou Z, Jia P, Li JT. A synthetic bacterial consortium improved the phytoremediation efficiency of ryegrass on polymetallic contaminated soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116691. [PMID: 38981391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Polymetallic contamination of soils caused by mining activities seriously threatens soil fertility, biodiversity and human health. Bioremediation is thought to be of low cost and has minimal environmental risk but its effectiveness needs to be improved. This study aimed to identify the combined effect of plant growth and microbial strains with different functions on the enhancement of bioremediation of polymetallic contaminated soil. The microbiological mechanism of bioremediation was explored by amplicon sequencing and gene prediction. Soil was collected from polymetallic mine wastelands and a non-contaminated site for use in a pot experiment. Remediation efficiency of this method was evaluated by planting ryegrass and applying a mixed bacterial consortium comprising P-solubilizing, N-fixing and SO4-reducing bacteria. The plant-microbe joint remediation method significantly enhanced the above-ground biomass of ryegrass and soil nutrient contents, and at the same time reduced the content of heavy metals in the plant shoots and soil. The application of the composite bacterial inoculum significantly affected the structure of soil bacterial communities and increased the bacterial diversity and complexity, and the stability of co-occurrence networks. The relative abundance of the multifunctional genera to which the strains belonged showed a significant positive correlation with the soil nutrient content. Genera related to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulphur (S) cycling and heavy metal resistance showed an up-regulation trend in heavy metal-contaminated soils after the application of the mixed bacterial consortium. Also, bacterial strains with specific functions in the mixed consortium regulated the expression of genes involved in soil nutrient cycling, and thus assisted in making the soil self-sustainable after remediation. These results suggested that the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil needs to give priority to the use of multifunctional bacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Hui Wu
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Fenglin Li
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Feifan Wang
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Rongzhou Jin
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Yanying Li
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Shilin Li
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Zhuang Zhou
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Pu Jia
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China.
| | - Jin-Tian Li
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, PR China
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Ninkuu V, Zhou Y, Liu H, Sun S, Liu Z, Liu Y, Yang J, Hu M, Guan L, Sun X. Regulation of nitrogen metabolism by COE2 under low sulfur stress in Arabidopsis. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 346:112137. [PMID: 38815871 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.112137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between nitrogen and sulfur assimilation synergistically supports and sustains plant growth and development, operating in tandem to ensure coordinated and optimal outcomes. Previously, we characterized Arabidopsis CHLOROPHYLL A/B-BINDING (CAB) overexpression 2 (COE2) mutant, which has a mutation in the NITRIC OXIDE-ASSOCIATED (NOA1) gene and exhibits deficiency in root growth under low nitrogen (LN) stress. This study found that the growth suppression in roots and shoots in coe2 correlates with decreased sensitivity to low sulfur stress treatment compared to the wild-type. Therefore, we examined the regulatory role of COE2 in nitrogen and sulfur interaction by assessing the expression of nitrogen metabolism-related genes in coe2 seedlings under low sulfur stress. Despite the notable upregulation of nitrate reductase genes (NIA1 and NIA2), there was a considerable reduction in nitrogen uptake and utilization, resulting in a substantial growth penalty. Moreover, the elevated expression of miR396 perhaps complemented growth stunting by selectively targeting and curtailing the expression levels of GROWTH REGULATING FACTOR 2 (GRF2), GRF4, and GRF9. This study underscores the vital role of COE2-mediated nitrogen signaling in facilitating seedling growth under sulfur deficiency stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ninkuu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Yaping Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Hao Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Susu Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Yumeng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Jincheng Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Mengke Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Liping Guan
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Xuwu Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 85 Minglun Street, Kaifeng 475001, China.
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3
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Chen Y, Li Y, Fu Y, Jia L, Li L, Xu Z, Zhang N, Liu Y, Fan X, Xuan W, Xu G, Zhang R. The beneficial rhizobacterium Bacillus velezensis SQR9 regulates plant nitrogen uptake via an endogenous signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:3388-3400. [PMID: 38497798 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen fertilizer is widely used in agriculture to boost crop yields. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) can increase plant nitrogen use efficiency through nitrogen fixation and organic nitrogen mineralization. However, it is not known whether they can activate plant nitrogen uptake. In this study, we investigated the effects of volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by the PGPR strain Bacillus velezensis SQR9 on plant nitrogen uptake. Strain SQR9 VCs promoted nitrogen accumulation in both rice and Arabidopsis. In addition, isotope labeling experiments showed that strain SQR9 VCs promoted the absorption of nitrate and ammonium. Several key nitrogen-uptake genes were up-regulated by strain SQR9 VCs, such as AtNRT2.1 in Arabidopsis and OsNAR2.1, OsNRT2.3a, and OsAMT1 family members in rice, and the deletion of these genes compromised the promoting effect of strain SQR9 VCs on plant nitrogen absorption. Furthermore, calcium and the transcription factor NIN-LIKE PROTEIN 7 play an important role in nitrate uptake promoted by strain SQR9 VCs. Taken together, our results indicate that PGPRs can promote nitrogen uptake through regulating plant endogenous signaling and nitrogen transport pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yucong Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yansong Fu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Letian Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Arid and Semi-arid Arable Land in Northern China, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaorong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wei Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guohua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ruifu Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Zhuo M, Sakuraba Y, Yanagisawa S. Dof1.7 and NIGT1 transcription factors mediate multilayered transcriptional regulation for different expression patterns of NITRATE TRANSPORTER2 genes under nitrogen deficiency stress. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:2132-2147. [PMID: 38523242 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms regulating nitrogen (N) deficiency responses in plants is of great agricultural importance. Previous studies revealed that decreased expression of NITRATE-INDUCIBLE GARP-TYPE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REPRESSOR1 (NIGT1) transcriptional repressor genes upon N deficiency is involved in N deficiency-inducible gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling N deficiency-induced changes in gene expression is still limited. Through the identification of Dof1.7 as a direct target of NIGT1 repressors and a novel N deficiency response-related transcriptional activator gene, we here show that NIGT1 and Dof1.7 transcription factors (TFs) differentially regulate N deficiency-inducible expression of three high-affinity nitrate transporter genes, NRT2.1, NRT2.4, and NRT2.5, which are responsible for most of the soil nitrate uptake activity of Arabidopsis plants under N-deficient conditions. Unlike NIGT1 repressors, which directly suppress NRT2.1, NRT2.4, and NRT2.5 under N-sufficient conditions, Dof1.7 directly activated only NRT2.5 but indirectly and moderately activated NRT2.1 and NRT2.4 under N-deficient conditions, probably by indirectly decreasing NIGT1 expression. Thus, Dof1.7 converted passive transcriptional activation into active and potent transcriptional activation, further differentially enhancing the expression of NRT2 genes. These findings clarify the mechanism underlying different expression patterns of NRT2 genes upon N deficiency, suggesting that time-dependent multilayered transcriptional regulation generates complicated expression patterns of N deficiency-inducible genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhuo
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Sakuraba
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yanagisawa
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
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Khramov DE, Rostovtseva EI, Matalin DA, Konoshenkova AO, Nedelyaeva OI, Volkov VS, Balnokin YV, Popova LG. Novel Proteins of the High-Affinity Nitrate Transporter Family NRT2, SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5, from the Euhalophyte Suaeda altissima: Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5648. [PMID: 38891835 PMCID: PMC11171637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115648] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Two genes of nitrate transporters SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5, putative orthologs of high-affinity nitrate transporter genes AtNRT2.1 and AtNRT2.5 from Arabidopsis thaliana, were cloned from the euhalophyte Suaeda altissima. Phylogenetic bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that the proteins SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5 exhibited higher levels of homology to the corresponding proteins from the plants of family Amaranthaceae; the similarity of amino acid sequences between proteins SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5 was lower (54%). Both SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5 are integral membrane proteins forming 12 transmembrane helices as predicted by topological modeling. An attempt to demonstrate nitrate transporting activity of SaNRT2.1 or SaNRT2.5 by heterologous expression of the genes in the yeast Hansenula (Ogataea) polymorpha mutant strain Δynt1 lacking the only yeast nitrate transporter was not successful. The expression patterns of SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5 were studied in S. altissima plants that were grown in hydroponics under either low (0.5 mM) or high (15 mM) nitrate and salinity from 0 to 750 mM NaCl. The growth of the plants was strongly inhibited by low nitrogen supply while stimulated by NaCl; it peaked at 250 mM NaCl for high nitrate and at 500 mM NaCl for low nitrate. Under low nitrate supply, nitrate contents in S. altissima roots, leaves and stems were reduced but increased in leaves and stems as salinity in the medium increased. Potassium contents remained stable under salinity treatment from 250 to 750 mM NaCl. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that without salinity, SaNRT2.1 was expressed in all organs, its expression was not influenced by nitrate supply, while SaNRT2.5 was expressed exclusively in roots-its expression rose about 10-fold under low nitrate. Salinity increased expression of both SaNRT2.1 and SaNRT2.5 under low nitrate. SaNRT2.1 peaked in roots at 500 mM NaCl with 15-fold increase; SaNRT2.5 peaked in roots at 500 mM NaCl with 150-fold increase. It is suggested that SaNRT2.5 ensures effective nitrate uptake by roots and functions as an essential high-affinity nitrate transporter to support growth of adult S. altissima plants under nitrogen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Vadim S. Volkov
- K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 127276, Russia; (D.E.K.); (E.I.R.); (D.A.M.); (A.O.K.); (O.I.N.); (Y.V.B.)
| | | | - Larissa G. Popova
- K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 127276, Russia; (D.E.K.); (E.I.R.); (D.A.M.); (A.O.K.); (O.I.N.); (Y.V.B.)
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6
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Hajibarat Z, Saidi A, Ghazvini H, Hajibarat Z. Investigation of morpho-physiolgical traits and gene expression in barley under nitrogen deficiency. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8875. [PMID: 38632431 PMCID: PMC11024206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59714-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth, and its deficiency influences plants at several physiological and gene expression levels. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the most important food grains from the Poaceae family and one of the most important staple food crops. However, the seed yield is limited by a number of stresses, the most important of which is the insufficient use of N. Thus, there is a need to develop N-use effective cultivars. In this study, comparative physiological and molecular analyses were performed using leaf and root tissues from 10 locally grown barley cultivars. The expression levels of nitrate transporters, HvNRT2 genes, were analyzed in the leaf and root tissues of N-deficient (ND) treatments of barley cultivars after 7 and 14 days following ND treatment as compared to the normal condition. Based on the correlation between the traits, root length (RL) had a positive and highly significant correlation with fresh leaf weight (FLW) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) concentration in roots, indicating a direct root and leaf relationship with the plant development under ND. From the physiological aspects, ND enhanced carotenoids, chlorophylls a/b (Chla/b), total chlorophyll (TCH), leaf antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and root antioxidant enzymes (APX and POD) in the Sahra cultivar. The expression levels of HvNRT2.1, HvNRT2.2, and HvNRT2.4 genes were up-regulated under ND conditions. For the morphological traits, ND maintained root dry weight among the cultivars, except for Sahra. Among the studied cultivars, Sahra responded well to ND stress, making it a suitable candidate for barely improvement programs. These findings may help to better understand the mechanism of ND tolerance and thus lead to the development of cultivars with improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Hajibarat
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Saidi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Habibollah Ghazvini
- Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), P.O. Box 31587-77871, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Hajibarat
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Jing Y, Shen C, Li W, Peng L, Hu M, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Teng W, Tong Y, He X. TaLBD41 interacts with TaNAC2 to regulate nitrogen uptake and metabolism in response to nitrate availability. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:641-657. [PMID: 38379453 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate is the main source of nitrogen (N) available to plants and also is a signal that triggers complex regulation of transcriptional networks to modulate a wide variety of physiological and developmental responses in plants. How plants adapt to soil nitrate fluctuations is a complex process involving a fine-tuned response to nitrate provision and N starvation, the molecular mechanisms of which remain largely uncharted. Here, we report that the wheat transcription factor TaLBD41 interacts with the nitrate-inducible transcription factor TaNAC2 and is repressed by nitrate provision. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase system show that the TaLBD41-NAC2 interaction confers homeostatic coordination of nitrate uptake, reduction, and assimilation by competitively binding to TaNRT2.1, TaNR1.2, and TaNADH-GOGAT. Knockdown of TaLBD41 expression enhances N uptake and assimilation, increases spike number, grain yield, and nitrogen harvest index under different N supply conditions. We also identified an elite haplotype of TaLBD41-2B associated with increased spike number and grain yield. Our study uncovers a novel mechanism underlying the interaction between two transcription factors in mediating wheat adaptation to nitrate availability by antagonistically regulating nitrate uptake and assimilation, providing a potential target for designing varieties with efficient N use in wheat (Triticum aestivum).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfu Jing
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chuncai Shen
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Yazhouwan National Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Lei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengyun Hu
- The Institute for Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Yingjun Zhang
- The Institute for Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Xueqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wan Teng
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yiping Tong
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xue He
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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8
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Li Z, Na Wu X, Jacquot A, Chaput V, Adamo M, Neuhäuser B, Straub T, Lejay L, Schulze WX. Phosphoregulation in the N-terminus of NRT2.1 affects nitrate uptake by controlling the interaction of NRT2.1 with NAR2.1 and kinase HPCAL1 in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2127-2142. [PMID: 38066636 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
NRT2.1, the major high affinity nitrate transporter in roots, can be phosphorylated at five different sites within the N- and the C-terminus. Here, we characterized the functional relationship of two N-terminal phosphorylation sites, S21 and S28, in Arabidopsis. Based on a site-specific correlation network, we identified a receptor kinase (HPCAL1, AT5G49770), phosphorylating NRT2.1 at S21 and resulting in active nitrate uptake. HPCAL1 itself was regulated by phosphorylation at S839 and S870 within its kinase domain. In the active state, when S839 was dephosphorylated and S870 was phosphorylated, HPCAL1 was found to interact with the N-terminus of NRT2.1, mainly when S28 was dephosphorylated. Phosphorylation of NRT2.1 at S21 resulted in a reduced interaction of NRT2.1 with its activator NAR2.1, but nitrate transport activity remained. By contrast, phosphorylated NRT2.1 at S28 enhanced the interaction with NAR2.1, but reduced the interaction with HPCAL1. Here we identified HPCAL1 as the kinase affecting this phospho-switch through phosphorylation of NRT2.1 at S21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, University of Hohenheim, D-70593, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Xu Na Wu
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, University of Hohenheim, D-70593, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Aurore Jacquot
- BPMP, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Valentin Chaput
- BPMP, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Mattia Adamo
- BPMP, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Neuhäuser
- Department of Crop Physiology, University of Hohenheim, D-70593, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tatsiana Straub
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, University of Hohenheim, D-70593, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Laurence Lejay
- BPMP, University Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Waltraud X Schulze
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, University of Hohenheim, D-70593, Stuttgart, Germany
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9
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Svietlova N, Zhyr L, Reichelt M, Grabe V, Mithöfer A. Glutamine as sole nitrogen source prevents induction of nitrate transporter gene NRT2.4 and affects amino acid metabolism in Arabidopsis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1369543. [PMID: 38633457 PMCID: PMC11022244 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1369543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Plants assimilate inorganic nitrogen (N) to glutamine. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in most plant species, the N-supplying precursor of all N-containing compounds in the cell and the first organic nitrogen molecule formed from inorganic nitrogen taken up by the roots. In addition to its role in plant nutrition, glutamine most likely also has a function as a signaling molecule in the regulation of nitrogen metabolism. We investigated whether glutamine influences the high-affinity transporter system for nitrate uptake. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of the nitrate transporter NRT2.4, which is inducible by N deficiency, in Arabidopsis thaliana grown under different nitrogen starvation scenarios, comparing nitrate or glutamine as the sole nitrogen source. Using the reporter line ProNRT2.4:GFP and two independent knockout lines, nrt2.4-1 and nrt2.4-2, we analyzed gene expression and amino acid profiles. We showed that the regulation of NRT2.4 expression depends on available nitrogen in general, for example on glutamine as a nitrogen source, and not specifically on nitrate. In contrast to high nitrate concentrations, amino acid profiles changed to an accumulation of amino acids containing more than one nitrogen during growth in high glutamine concentrations, indicating a switch to nitrogen storage metabolism. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the nrt2.4-2 line shows unexpected effects on NRT2.5 gene expression and the amino acids profile in shoots under high glutamine supply conditions compared to Arabidopsis wild type and nrt2.4-1, suggesting non-NRT2.4-related metabolic consequences in this knockout line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Svietlova
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Liza Zhyr
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Veit Grabe
- Microscopic Imaging Service Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel Mithöfer
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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10
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Xu N, Cheng L, Kong Y, Chen G, Zhao L, Liu F. Functional analyses of the NRT2 family of nitrate transporters in Arabidopsis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1351998. [PMID: 38501135 PMCID: PMC10944928 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1351998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. Nitrate is the major form of nitrogen acquired by most crops and also serves as a vital signaling molecule. Nitrate is absorbed from the soil into root cells usually by the low-affinity NRT1 NO3 - transporters and high-affinity NRT2 NO3 - transporters, with NRT2s serving to absorb NO3 - under NO3 -limiting conditions. Seven NRT2 members have been identified in Arabidopsis, and they have been shown to be involved in various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the spatiotemporal expression patterns, localization, and biotic and abiotic responses of these transporters with a focus on recent advances in the current understanding of the functions of the seven AtNRT2 genes. This review offers beneficial insight into the mechanisms by which plants adapt to changing environmental conditions and provides a theoretical basis for crop research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Cheng
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Kong
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Guiling Chen
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Lufei Zhao
- Agricultural Science and Engineering School, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
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11
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DeLoose M, Clúa J, Cho H, Zheng L, Masmoudi K, Desnos T, Krouk G, Nussaume L, Poirier Y, Rouached H. Recent advances in unraveling the mystery of combined nutrient stress in plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:1764-1780. [PMID: 37921230 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Efficiently regulating growth to adapt to varying resource availability is crucial for organisms, including plants. In particular, the acquisition of essential nutrients is vital for plant development, as a shortage of just one nutrient can significantly decrease crop yield. However, plants constantly experience fluctuations in the presence of multiple essential mineral nutrients, leading to combined nutrient stress conditions. Unfortunately, our understanding of how plants perceive and respond to these multiple stresses remains limited. Unlocking this mystery could provide valuable insights and help enhance plant nutrition strategies. This review focuses specifically on the regulation of phosphorous homeostasis in plants, with a primary emphasis on recent studies that have shed light on the intricate interactions between phosphorous and other essential elements, such as nitrogen, iron, and zinc, as well as non-essential elements like aluminum and sodium. By summarizing and consolidating these findings, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of how plants respond to and cope with combined nutrient stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan DeLoose
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Joaquin Clúa
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Huikyong Cho
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Luqing Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Khaled Masmoudi
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thierry Desnos
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, EBMP, UMR7265, Cité des énergies, 13115, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Gabriel Krouk
- IPSiM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Nussaume
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, BIAM, EBMP, UMR7265, Cité des énergies, 13115, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Yves Poirier
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hatem Rouached
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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12
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Gao T, Liu X, Xu S, Yu X, Zhang D, Tan K, Zhou Y, Jia X, Zhang Z, Ma F, Li C. Melatonin confers tolerance to nitrogen deficiency through regulating MdHY5 in apple plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:1115-1129. [PMID: 37966861 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for crop growth and development, significantly influencing both yield and quality. Melatonin (MT), a known enhancer of abiotic stress tolerance, has been extensively studied. However, its relationship with nutrient stress, particularly N deficiency, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of MT on N absorption remain unclear. In this study, exogenous MT treatment was found to improve the tolerance of apple plants to N deficiency. Apple plants overexpressing the MT biosynthetic gene N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase 9 (MdASMT9) were used to further investigate the effects of endogenous MT on low-N stress. Overexpression of MdASMT9 improved the light harvesting and heat transfer capability of apple plants, thereby mitigating the detrimental effects of N deficiency on the photosynthetic system. Proteomic and physiological data analyses indicated that MdASMT9 overexpression enhanced the trichloroacetic acid cycle and positively modulated amino acid metabolism to counteract N-deficiency stress. Additionally, both exogenous and endogenous MT promoted the transcription of MdHY5, which in turn bound to the MdNRT2.1 and MdNRT2.4 promoters and activated their expression. Notably, MT-mediated promotion of MdNRT2.1 and MdNRT2.4 expression through regulating MdHY5, ultimately enhancing N absorption. Taken together, these findings shed light on the association between MdASMT9-mediated MT biosynthesis and N absorption in apple plants under N-deficiency conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengteng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danni Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kexin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xumei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fengwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
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13
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Chen B, Shi Y, Lu L, Wang L, Sun Y, Ning W, Liu Z, Cheng S. PsNRT2.3 interacts with PsNAR to promote high-affinity nitrate uptake in pea (Pisum sativum L.). PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 206:108191. [PMID: 38016367 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate, the primary form of nitrogen absorbed by plants, supplies essential compounds for plant growth and development. Peas are frequently used as rotation crops to improve and stabilize soil fertility. However, the determinants of nitrate uptake and transport in peas remain largely unclear, primarily due to the pea genome's complexity and size. In this study, we utilized the complete genomic information of peas to identify three PsNRT2 family genes within the pea genome. We conducted a comprehensive examination of their protein conserved domains, physicochemical properties, gene structure, and phylogenetic evolution, revealing PsNRT2.3 as the potential key gene for high-affinity nitrate transport in peas. Subcellular localization studies indicated that PsNRT2.3 resides on the plasma membrane. Using hairy root transformation, we noted the predominant expression of PsNRT2.3 in the root stele, which is inducible by nitrate. Our experiments involving overexpression and silencing methods further confirmed that PsNRT2.3 plays a key role in enhancing nitrate uptake in peas. Additionally, our work showed that PsNAR could interact with PsNRT2.3, modulating pea nitrate uptake. After silencing PsNAR, even with the normal expression of PsNRT2.3, the ability of peas to absorb nitrate was significantly reduced. In conclusion, this study identifies the high-affinity nitrate transport gene PsNRT2.3 in peas and clarifies its critical role and regulatory network in nitrate transport, contributing to a new understanding of nitrate utilization in peas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baizhi Chen
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China; State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Henan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China; College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Weidong Ning
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Zijian Liu
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Shifeng Cheng
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen (AGIS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shenzhen, China.
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14
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Sigalas PP, Buchner P, Kröper A, Hawkesford MJ. The Functional Diversity of the High-Affinity Nitrate Transporter Gene Family in Hexaploid Wheat: Insights from Distinct Expression Profiles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:509. [PMID: 38203680 PMCID: PMC10779101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010509] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
High-affinity nitrate transporters (NRT) are key components for nitrogen (N) acquisition and distribution within plants. However, insights on these transporters in wheat are scarce. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the NRT2 and NRT3 gene families, where the aim is to shed light on their functionality and to evaluate their responses to N availability. A total of 53 NRT2s and 11 NRT3s were identified in the bread wheat genome, and these were grouped into different clades and homoeologous subgroups. The transcriptional dynamics of the identified NRT2 and NRT3 genes, in response to N starvation and nitrate resupply, were examined by RT-qPCR in the roots and shoots of hydroponically grown wheat plants through a time course experiment. Additionally, the spatial expression patterns of these genes were explored within the plant. The NRT2s of clade 1, TaNRT2.1-2.6, showed a root-specific expression and significant upregulation in response to N starvation, thus emphasizing a role in N acquisition. However, most of the clade 2 NRT2s displayed reduced expression under N-starved conditions. Nitrate resupply after N starvation revealed rapid responsiveness in TaNRT2.1-2.6, while clade 2 genes exhibited gradual induction, primarily in the roots. TaNRT2.18 was highly expressed in above-ground tissues and exhibited distinct nitrate-related response patterns for roots and shoots. The TaNRT3 gene expression closely paralleled the profiles of TaNRT2.1-2.6 in response to nitrate induction. These findings enhance the understanding of NRT2 and NRT3 involvement in nitrogen uptake and utilization, and they could have practical implications for improving nitrogen use efficiency. The study also recommends a standardized nomenclature for wheat NRT2 genes, thereby addressing prior naming inconsistencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros P. Sigalas
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK; (P.B.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Peter Buchner
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK; (P.B.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Alex Kröper
- Faculty of Agronomy, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
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15
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Julian R, Patrick RM, Li Y. Organ-specific characteristics govern the relationship between histone code dynamics and transcriptional reprogramming during nitrogen response in tomato. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1225. [PMID: 38044380 PMCID: PMC10694154 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05601-8] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental stimuli trigger rapid transcriptional reprogramming of gene networks. These responses occur in the context of the local chromatin landscape, but the contribution of organ-specific dynamic chromatin modifications in responses to external signals remains largely unexplored. We treated tomato seedlings with a supply of nitrate and measured the genome-wide changes of four histone marks, the permissive marks H3K27ac, H3K4me3, and H3K36me3 and repressive mark H3K27me3, in shoots and roots separately, as well as H3K9me2 in shoots. Dynamic and organ-specific histone acetylation and methylation were observed at functionally relevant gene loci. Integration of transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets generated from the same organ revealed largely syngenetic relations between changes in transcript levels and histone modifications, with the exception of H3K27me3 in shoots, where an increased level of this repressive mark is observed at genes activated by nitrate. Application of a machine learning approach revealed organ-specific rules regarding the importance of individual histone marks, as H3K36me3 is the most successful mark in predicting gene regulation events in shoots, while H3K4me3 is the strongest individual predictor in roots. Our integrated study substantiates a view that during plant environmental responses, the relationships between histone code dynamics and gene regulation are highly dependent on organ-specific contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Julian
- Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ryan M Patrick
- Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Center for Plant Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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16
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Quan X, Meng C, Xie C, Sun H, Xu B, Santos Bermudez R, He W. Genome-Wide and Transcriptome Analysis of Jacalin-Related Lectin Genes in Barley and the Functional Characterization of HvHorcH in Low-Nitrogen Tolerance in Arabidopsis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16641. [PMID: 38068963 PMCID: PMC10706597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The jacalin-related lectins (JRLs) are widely distributed in plants and are involved in plant development and multiple stress responses. However, the characteristics of the HvJRL gene family at the genome-wide level and the roles of JRLs in barley's response to low-nitrogen (LN) stress have been rarely reported. In this study, 32 HvJRL genes were identified and unevenly distributed at both ends of the seven chromosomes in barley. HvJRL proteins generally exhibited low sequence similarity but shared conserved jacalin domains by multiple sequence analysis. These proteins were classified into seven subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis, with a similar gene structure and conserved motifs in the same subfamily. The HvJRL promoters contained a large number of diverse cis-elements associated with hormonal response and stress regulation. Based on the phylogenetic relationships and functionally known JRL homologs, it was predicted that some HvJRLs have the potential to serve functions in multiple stress responses but not nutrition deficiency stress. Subsequently, nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding eight HvJRL proteins were identified in two barley genotypes with different LN tolerance by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, 35S:HvHorcH transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings did enhance LN tolerance, which indicated that HvHorcH may be an important regulator of LN stress response (LNSR). The HvJRL DEGs identified herein could provide new candidate genes for LN tolerance studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Quan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wenxing He
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
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17
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Svietlova N, Reichelt M, Zhyr L, Majumder A, Scholz SS, Grabe V, Krapp A, Oelmüller R, Mithöfer A. The Beneficial Fungus Mortierella hyalina Modulates Amino Acid Homeostasis in Arabidopsis under Nitrogen Starvation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16128. [PMID: 38003319 PMCID: PMC10671455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216128] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-mycorrhizal but beneficial fungi often mitigate (a)biotic stress-related traits in host plants. The underlying molecular mechanisms are mostly still unknown, as in the interaction between the endophytic growth-promoting soil fungus Mortierella hyalina and Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, abiotic stress in the form of nitrogen (N) deficiency was used to investigate the effects of the fungus on colonized plants. In particular, the hypothesis was investigated that fungal infection could influence N deficiency via an interaction with the high-affinity nitrate transporter NRT2.4, which is induced by N deficiency. For this purpose, Arabidopsis wild-type nrt2.4 knock-out and NRT2.4 reporter lines were grown on media with different nitrate concentrations with or without M. hyalina colonization. We used chemical analysis methods to determine the amino acids and phytohormones. Experimental evidence suggests that the fungus does not modulate NRT2.4 expression under N starvation. Instead, M. hyalina alleviates N starvation in other ways: The fungus supplies nitrogen (15N) to the N-starved plant. The presence of the fungus restores the plants' amino acid homeostasis, which was out of balance due to N deficiency, and causes a strong accumulation of branched-chain amino acids. We conclude that the plant does not need to invest in defense and resources for growth are maintained, which in turn benefits the fungus, suggesting that this interaction should be considered a mutualistic symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Svietlova
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (N.S.); (L.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Michael Reichelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Liza Zhyr
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (N.S.); (L.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Anindya Majumder
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (N.S.); (L.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Sandra S. Scholz
- Department of Plant Physiology, Matthias-Schleiden-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (S.S.S.); (R.O.)
| | - Veit Grabe
- Microscopic Imaging Service Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Anne Krapp
- Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France;
| | - Ralf Oelmüller
- Department of Plant Physiology, Matthias-Schleiden-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (S.S.S.); (R.O.)
| | - Axel Mithöfer
- Research Group Plant Defense Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (N.S.); (L.Z.); (A.M.)
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18
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Feng J, Zhu C, Cao J, Liu C, Zhang J, Cao F, Zhou X. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the NRT genes in Ginkgo biloba under nitrate treatment reveal the potential roles during calluses browning. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:633. [PMID: 37872493 PMCID: PMC10594704 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09732-4] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrate is a primary nitrogen source for plant growth, and previous studies have indicated a correlation between nitrogen and browning. Nitrate transporters (NRTs) are crucial in nitrate allocation. Here, we utilized a genome-wide approach to identify and analyze the expression pattern of 74 potential GbNRTs under nitrate treatments during calluses browning in Ginkgo, including 68 NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1 (NRT1)/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER (PTR) (NPF), 4 NRT2 and 2 NRT3. Conserved domains, motifs, phylogeny, and cis-acting elements (CREs) were analyzed to demonstrate the evolutionary conservation and functional diversity of GbNRTs. Our analysis showed that the NPF family was divided into eight branches, with the GbNPF2 and GbNPF6 subfamilies split into three groups. Each GbNRT contained 108-214 CREs of 19-36 types, especially with binding sites of auxin and transcription factors v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH). The E1X1X2E2R motif had significant variations in GbNPFs, indicating changes in the potential dynamic proton transporting ability. The expression profiles of GbNRTs indicated that they may function in regulating nitrate uptake and modulating the signaling of auxin and polyphenols biosynthesis, thereby affecting browning in Ginkgo callus induction. These findings provide a better understanding of the role of NRTs during NO3- uptake and utilization in vitro culture, which is crucial to prevent browning and develop an efficient regeneration and suspension production system in Ginkgo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Can Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fuliang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.
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19
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Scholz SS, Barth E, Clément G, Marmagne A, Ludwig-Müller J, Sakakibara H, Kiba T, Vicente-Carbajosa J, Pollmann S, Krapp A, Oelmüller R. The Root-Colonizing Endophyte Piriformospora indica Supports Nitrogen-Starved Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings with Nitrogen Metabolites. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15372. [PMID: 37895051 PMCID: PMC10607921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The root-colonizing endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica promotes the root and shoot growth of its host plants. We show that the growth promotion of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves is abolished when the seedlings are grown on media with nitrogen (N) limitation. The fungus neither stimulated the total N content nor did it promote 15NO3- uptake from agar plates to the leaves of the host under N-sufficient or N-limiting conditions. However, when the roots were co-cultivated with 15N-labelled P. indica, more labels were detected in the leaves of N-starved host plants but not in plants supplied with sufficient N. Amino acid and primary metabolite profiles, as well as the expression analyses of N metabolite transporter genes suggest that the fungus alleviates the adaptation of its host from the N limitation condition. P. indica alters the expression of transporter genes, which participate in the relocation of NO3-, NH4+ and N metabolites from the roots to the leaves under N limitation. We propose that P. indica participates in the plant's metabolomic adaptation against N limitation by delivering reduced N metabolites to the host, thus alleviating metabolic N starvation responses and reprogramming the expression of N metabolism-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra S. Scholz
- Department of Plant Physiology, Matthias-Schleiden-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Emanuel Barth
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Gilles Clément
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000 Versailles, France (A.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Anne Marmagne
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000 Versailles, France (A.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Jutta Ludwig-Müller
- Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Hitoshi Sakakibara
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (H.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Takatoshi Kiba
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (H.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Jesús Vicente-Carbajosa
- Centro de Biotechnología y Genómica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentación (INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.-C.); (S.P.)
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephan Pollmann
- Centro de Biotechnología y Genómica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentación (INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Campus de Montegancedo, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.-C.); (S.P.)
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Krapp
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000 Versailles, France (A.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Ralf Oelmüller
- Department of Plant Physiology, Matthias-Schleiden-Institute, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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20
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Samarina L, Fedorina J, Kuzmina D, Malyukova L, Manakhova K, Kovalenko T, Matskiv A, Xia E, Tong W, Zhang Z, Ryndin A, Orlov YL, Khlestkina EK. Analysis of Functional Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and Leaf Quality in Tea Collection under Nitrogen-Deficient Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14538. [PMID: 37833988 PMCID: PMC10572165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914538] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study discusses the genetic mutations that have a significant association with economically important traits that would benefit tea breeders. The purpose of this study was to analyze the leaf quality and SNPs in quality-related genes in the tea plant collection of 20 mutant genotypes growing without nitrogen fertilizers. Leaf N-content, catechins, L-theanine, and caffeine contents were analyzed in dry leaves via HPLC. Additionally, the photochemical yield, electron transport efficiency, and non-photochemical quenching were analyzed using PAM-fluorimetry. The next generation pooled amplicon-sequencing approach was used for SNPs-calling in 30 key genes related to N metabolism and leaf quality. The leaf N content varied significantly among genotypes (p ≤ 0.05) from 2.3 to 3.7% of dry mass. The caffeine content varied from 0.7 to 11.7 mg g-1, and the L-theanine content varied from 0.2 to 5.8 mg g-1 dry leaf mass. Significant positive correlations were detected between the nitrogen content and biochemical parameters such as theanine, caffeine, and most of the catechins. However, significant negative correlations were observed between the photosynthetic parameters (Y, ETR, Fv/Fm) and several biochemical compounds, including rutin, Quercetin-3-O-glucoside, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, Theaflavin-3'-gallate, gallic acid. From our SNP-analysis, three SNPs in WRKY57 were detected in all genotypes with a low N content. Moreover, 29 SNPs with a high or moderate effect were specific for #316 (high N-content, high quality) or #507 (low N-content, low quality). The use of a linear regression model revealed 16 significant associations; theaflavin, L-theanine, and ECG were associated with several SNPs of the following genes: ANSa, DFRa, GDH2, 4CL, AlaAT1, MYB4, LHT1, F3'5'Hb, UFGTa. Among them, seven SNPs of moderate effect led to changes in the amino acid contents in the final proteins of the following genes: ANSa, GDH2, 4Cl, F3'5'Hb, UFGTa. These results will be useful for further evaluations of the important SNPs and will help to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of nitrogen uptake efficiency in tree crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidiia Samarina
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (L.S.); (J.F.); (D.K.); (K.M.); (T.K.); (E.K.K.)
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Jaroslava Fedorina
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (L.S.); (J.F.); (D.K.); (K.M.); (T.K.); (E.K.K.)
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Daria Kuzmina
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (L.S.); (J.F.); (D.K.); (K.M.); (T.K.); (E.K.K.)
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Lyudmila Malyukova
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Karina Manakhova
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (L.S.); (J.F.); (D.K.); (K.M.); (T.K.); (E.K.K.)
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Tatyana Kovalenko
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (L.S.); (J.F.); (D.K.); (K.M.); (T.K.); (E.K.K.)
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexandra Matskiv
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Enhua Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (E.X.)
| | - Wei Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (E.X.)
| | - Zhaoliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (E.X.)
| | - Alexey Ryndin
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Yuriy L. Orlov
- Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 344002 Sochi, Russia; (L.M.); (A.M.)
- Agrarian and Technological Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena K. Khlestkina
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olimpiyskiy Ave. b.1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (L.S.); (J.F.); (D.K.); (K.M.); (T.K.); (E.K.K.)
- Federal Research Center N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), 196632 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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21
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Zayed O, Hewedy OA, Abdelmoteleb A, Ali M, Youssef MS, Roumia AF, Seymour D, Yuan ZC. Nitrogen Journey in Plants: From Uptake to Metabolism, Stress Response, and Microbe Interaction. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1443. [PMID: 37892125 PMCID: PMC10605003 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants uptake and assimilate nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrate, ammonium ions, and available amino acids from organic sources. Plant nitrate and ammonium transporters are responsible for nitrate and ammonium translocation from the soil into the roots. The unique structure of these transporters determines the specificity of each transporter, and structural analyses reveal the mechanisms by which these transporters function. Following absorption, the nitrogen metabolism pathway incorporates the nitrogen into organic compounds via glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase that convert ammonium ions into glutamine and glutamate. Different isoforms of glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase exist, enabling plants to fine-tune nitrogen metabolism based on environmental cues. Under stressful conditions, nitric oxide has been found to enhance plant survival under drought stress. Furthermore, the interaction between salinity stress and nitrogen availability in plants has been studied, with nitric oxide identified as a potential mediator of responses to salt stress. Conversely, excessive use of nitrate fertilizers can lead to health and environmental issues. Therefore, alternative strategies, such as establishing nitrogen fixation in plants through diazotrophic microbiota, have been explored to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Ultimately, genomics can identify new genes related to nitrogen fixation, which could be harnessed to improve plant productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Zayed
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 9250, USA;
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt;
| | - Omar A. Hewedy
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt;
- Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ali Abdelmoteleb
- Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed Ali
- Maryout Research Station, Genetic Resources Department, Desert Research Center, 1 Mathaf El-Matarya St., El-Matareya, Cairo 11753, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed S. Youssef
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
- Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ahmed F. Roumia
- Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shibin El-Kom 32514, Egypt;
| | - Danelle Seymour
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 9250, USA;
| | - Ze-Chun Yuan
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, ON N5V 4T3, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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22
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Jia Z, Giehl RFH, Hartmann A, Estevez JM, Bennett MJ, von Wirén N. A spatially concerted epidermal auxin signaling framework steers the root hair foraging response under low nitrogen. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3926-3941.e5. [PMID: 37699396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
As a major determinant of the nutrient-acquiring root surface, root hairs (RHs) provide a low-input strategy to enhance nutrient uptake. Although primary and lateral roots exhibit elongation responses under mild nitrogen (N) deficiency, the foraging response of RHs and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Employing transcriptomics and functional studies revealed a framework of molecular components composing a cascade of auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling that triggers RH elongation for N acquisition. Through upregulation of Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis 1 (TAA1) and YUCCA8, low N increases auxin accumulation in the root apex. Auxin is then directed to the RH differentiation zone via the auxin transport machinery, AUXIN TRANSPORTER PROTEIN 1 (AUX1) and PIN-FORMED 2 (PIN2). Upon arrival to the RH zone, auxin activates the transcription factors AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 6 and 8 (ARF6/8) to promote the epidermal and auxin-inducible transcriptional module ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 (RHD6)-LOTUS JAPONICA ROOT HAIRLESS-LIKE 3 (LRL3) to steer RH elongation in response to low N. Our study uncovers a spatially defined regulatory signaling cascade for N foraging by RHs, expanding the mechanistic framework of hormone-regulated nutrient sensing in plant roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongtao Jia
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Ricardo F H Giehl
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Anja Hartmann
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Jose M Estevez
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Nucleus for the Development of Super Adaptable Plants (MN-SAP), Santiago, Chile; Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Malcolm J Bennett
- Future Food Beacon and School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Nicolaus von Wirén
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany.
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23
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Zhang W, Ni K, Long L, Ruan J. Nitrogen transport and assimilation in tea plant ( Camellia sinensis): a review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1249202. [PMID: 37810380 PMCID: PMC10556680 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1249202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for tea plants, as it contributes significantly to tea yield and serves as the component of amino acids, which in turn affects the quality of tea produced. To achieve higher yields, excessive amounts of N fertilizers mainly in the form of urea have been applied in tea plantations where N fertilizer is prone to convert to nitrate and be lost by leaching in the acid soils. This usually results in elevated costs and environmental pollution. A comprehensive understanding of N metabolism in tea plants and the underlying mechanisms is necessary to identify the key regulators, characterize the functional phenotypes, and finally improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Tea plants absorb and utilize ammonium as the preferred N source, thus a large amount of nitrate remains activated in soils. The improvement of nitrate utilization by tea plants is going to be an alternative aspect for NUE with great potentiality. In the process of N assimilation, nitrate is reduced to ammonium and subsequently derived to the GS-GOGAT pathway, involving the participation of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Additionally, theanine, a unique amino acid responsible for umami taste, is biosynthesized by the catalysis of theanine synthetase (TS). In this review, we summarize what is known about the regulation and functioning of the enzymes and transporters implicated in N acquisition and metabolism in tea plants and the current methods for assessing NUE in this species. The challenges and prospects to expand our knowledge on N metabolism and related molecular mechanisms in tea plants which could be a model for woody perennial plant used for vegetative harvest are also discussed to provide the theoretical basis for future research to assess NUE traits more precisely among the vast germplasm resources, thus achieving NUE improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Ni
- Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Xihu National Agricultural Experimental Station for Soil Quality, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lizhi Long
- Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianyun Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Xihu National Agricultural Experimental Station for Soil Quality, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Jia L, Hu D, Wang J, Liang Y, Li F, Wang Y, Han Y. Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of Nitrate Transporter Genes ( NPF, NRT2 and NRT3) in Maize. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12941. [PMID: 37629121 PMCID: PMC10454388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrate is the primary form of nitrogen uptake in plants, mainly transported by nitrate transporters (NRTs), including NPF (NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER FAMILY), NRT2 and NRT3. In this study, we identified a total of 78 NPF, seven NRT2, and two NRT3 genes in maize. Phylogenetic analysis divided the NPF family into eight subgroups (NPF1-NPF8), consistent with the results in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. The NRT2 family appears to have evolved more conservatively than the NPF family, as NRT2 genes contain fewer introns. The promoters of all NRTs are rich in cis-acting elements responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. The expression of NRTs varies in different tissues and developmental stages, with some NRTs only expressed in specific tissues or developmental stages. RNA-seq analysis using Xu178 revealed differential expression of NRTs in response to nitrogen starvation and nitrate resupply. Moreover, the expression patterns of six key NRTs genes (NPF6.6, NPF6.8, NRT2.1, NRT2.5 and NRT3.1A/B) varied in response to alterations in nitrogen levels across distinct maize inbred lines with different nitrogen uptake rates. This work enhances our understanding of the structure and expression of NRTs genes, and their roles in nitrate response, paving the way for improving maize nitrogen efficiency through molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Desheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Junbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Yanlai Han
- State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (L.J.); (D.H.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (F.L.)
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25
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Robe K, Barberon M. Nutrient carriers at the heart of plant nutrition and sensing. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 74:102376. [PMID: 37182415 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Plants require water and several essential nutrients for their development. The radial transport of nutrients from the soil to the root vasculature is achieved through a combination of three different pathways: apoplastic, symplastic, and transcellular. A common feature for these pathways is the requirement of carriers to transport nutrients across the plasma membrane. An efficient transport of nutrients across the root cell layers relies on a large number of carriers, each of them having their own substrate specificity, tissular and subcellular localization. Polarity is also emerging as a major feature allowing their function. Recent advances on radial transport of nutrients, especially carrier mediated nutrient transport will be discussed in this review, as well as the role of transporters as nutrient sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Robe
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Barberon
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
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26
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Lv B, Li Y, Wu X, Zhu C, Cao Y, Duan Q, Huang J. Brassica rapa Nitrate Transporter 2 ( BrNRT2) Family Genes, Identification, and Their Potential Functions in Abiotic Stress Tolerance. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1564. [PMID: 37628616 PMCID: PMC10454591 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrate transporter 2 (NRT2) proteins play vital roles in both nitrate (NO3-) uptake and translocation as well as abiotic stress responses in plants. However, little is known about the NRT2 gene family in Brassica rapa. In this study, 14 NRT2s were identified in the B. rapa genome. The BrNRT2 family members contain the PLN00028 and MATE_like superfamily domains. Cis-element analysis indicated that regulatory elements related to stress responses are abundant in the promoter sequences of BrNRT2 genes. BrNRT2.3 expression was increased after drought stress, and BrNRT2.1 and BrNRT2.8 expression were significantly upregulated after salt stress. Furthermore, protein interaction predictions suggested that homologs of BrNRT2.3, BrNRT2.1, and BrNRT2.8 in Arabidopsis thaliana may interact with the known stress-regulating proteins AtNRT1.1, AtNRT1.5, and AtNRT1.8. In conclusion, we suggest that BrNRT2.1, BrNRT2.3, and BrNRT2.8 have the greatest potential for inducing abiotic stress tolerance. Our findings will aid future studies of the biological functions of BrNRT2 family genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiabao Huang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China
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27
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Deng QY, Luo JT, Zheng JM, Tan WF, Pu ZJ, Wang F. Genome-wide systematic characterization of the NRT2 gene family and its expression profile in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during plant growth and in response to nitrate deficiency. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:353. [PMID: 37420192 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that is grown worldwide, and it is highly dependent on sufficient N supply. The molecular mechanisms associated with nitrate uptake and assimilation are still poorly understood in wheat. In plants, NRT2 family proteins play a crucial role in NO3- acquisition and translocation under nitrate limited conditions. However, the biological functions of these genes in wheat are still unclear, especially their roles in NO3- uptake and assimilation. RESULTS In this study, a comprehensive analysis of wheat TaNRT2 genes was conducted using bioinformatics and molecular biology methods, and 49 TaNRT2 genes were identified. A phylogenetic analysis clustered the TaNRT2 genes into three clades. The genes that clustered on the same phylogenetic branch had similar gene structures and nitrate assimilation functions. The identified genes were further mapped onto the 13 wheat chromosomes, and the results showed that a large duplication event had occurred on chromosome 6. To explore the TaNRT2 gene expression profiles in wheat, we performed transcriptome sequencing after low nitrate treatment for three days. Transcriptome analysis revealed the expression levels of all TaNRT2 genes in shoots and roots, and based on the expression profiles, three highly expressed genes (TaNRT2-6A.2, TaNRT2-6A.6, and TaNRT2-6B.4) were selected for qPCR analysis in two different wheat cultivars ('Mianmai367' and 'Nanmai660') under nitrate-limited and normal conditions. All three genes were upregulated under nitrate-limited conditions and highly expressed in the high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) wheat 'Mianmai367' under low nitrate conditions. CONCLUSION We systematically identified 49 NRT2 genes in wheat and analysed the transcript levels of all TaNRT2s under nitrate deficient conditions and over the whole growth period. The results suggest that these genes play important roles in nitrate absorption, distribution, and accumulation. This study provides valuable information and key candidate genes for further studies on the function of TaNRT2s in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yan Deng
- Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
- Environment-Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Southwestern China (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of P.R.C.), Chengdu, Sichuan, 610066, China
| | - Jiang-Tao Luo
- Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
- Environment-Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Southwestern China (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of P.R.C.), Chengdu, Sichuan, 610066, China
| | - Jian-Min Zheng
- Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
- Environment-Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Southwestern China (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of P.R.C.), Chengdu, Sichuan, 610066, China
| | - Wen-Fang Tan
- Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China.
- Environment-Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zong-Jun Pu
- Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China.
- Environment-Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Southwestern China (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of P.R.C.), Chengdu, Sichuan, 610066, China.
| | - Fang Wang
- Crop Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China.
- Environment-Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610066, Sichuan, China.
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Rahmat Z, Sohail MN, Perrine-Walker F, Kaiser BN. Balancing nitrate acquisition strategies in symbiotic legumes. PLANTA 2023; 258:12. [PMID: 37296318 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04175-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Legumes manage both symbiotic (indirect) and non-symbiotic (direct) nitrogen acquisition pathways. Understanding and optimising the direct pathway for nitrate uptake will support greater legume growth and seed yields. Legumes have multiple pathways to acquire reduced nitrogen to grow and set seed. Apart from the symbiotic N2-fixation pathway involving soil-borne rhizobia bacteria, the acquisition of nitrate and ammonia from the soil can also be an important secondary nitrogen source to meet plant N demand. The balance in N delivery between symbiotic N (indirect) and inorganic N uptake (direct) remains less clear over the growing cycle and with the type of legume under cultivation. In fertile, pH balanced agricultural soils, NO3- is often the predominant form of reduced N available to crop plants and will be a major contributor to whole plant N supply if provided at sufficient levels. The transport processes for NO3- uptake into legume root cells and its transport between root and shoot tissues involves both high and low-affinity transport systems called HATS and LATS, respectively. These proteins are regulated by external NO3- availability and by the N status of the cell. Other proteins also play a role in NO3- transport, including the voltage dependent chloride/nitrate channel family (CLC) and the S-type anion channels of the SLAC/SLAH family. CLC's are linked to NO3- transport across the tonoplast of vacuoles and the SLAC/SLAH's with NO3- efflux across the plasma membrane and out of the cell. An important step in managing the N requirements of a plant are the mechanisms involved in root N uptake and the subsequent cellular distribution within the plant. In this review, we will present the current knowledge of these proteins and what is understood on how they function in key model legumes (Lotus japonicus, Medicago truncatula and Glycine sp.). The review will examine their regulation and role in N signalling, discuss how post-translational modification affects NO3- transport in roots and aerial tissues and its translocation to vegetative tissues and storage/remobilization in reproductive tissues. Lastly, we will present how NO3-influences the autoregulation of nodulation and nitrogen fixation and its role in mitigating salt and other abiotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Rahmat
- Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW, 2570, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Muhammad N Sohail
- Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW, 2570, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Francine Perrine-Walker
- Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW, 2570, Australia.
| | - Brent N Kaiser
- Sydney Institute of Agriculture, The Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 380 Werombi Road, Brownlow Hill, NSW, 2570, Australia.
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Quan X, Meng C, Zhang N, Liang X, Li J, Li H, He W. Genome-Wide Analysis of Barley bHLH Transcription Factors and the Functional Characterization of HvbHLH56 in Low Nitrogen Tolerance in Arabidopsis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119740. [PMID: 37298691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvement of low nitrogen (LN) tolerance or nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crops is imperative for environment-friendly agriculture development. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are involved in multiple abiotic stresses and are suitable as candidate genes for improving LN tolerance. Few studies were performed on the characterization of the HvbHLH gene family and their function in response to LN stress in barley. In this study, 103 HvbHLH genes were identified through genome-wide analysis. HvbHLH proteins were classified into 20 subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis in barley, which was supported by conserved motifs and gene structure analysis. The stress-related cis-element analysis in the promoters showed that HvbHLHs are probably involved in multiple stress responses. By phylogenetic analysis of HvbHLHs and bHLHs in other plants, some HvbHLHs were predicted to play roles in response to nutrition deficiency stress. Furthermore, at least 16 HvbHLHs were differentially expressed in two barley genotypes differing in LN tolerance under LN stress. Finally, overexpression of HvbHLH56 enhanced LN stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis, suggesting it is an important regulator in LN stress response. The differentially expressed HvbHLHs identified herein may be valuable for the breeding of barley cultivars with LN tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Quan
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Chen Meng
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Jialin Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Wenxing He
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
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Ninkuu V, Liu Z, Sun X. Genetic regulation of nitrogen use efficiency in Gossypium spp. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:1749-1773. [PMID: 36942358 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important fibre crop, with desirable characteristics preferred for textile production. Cotton fibre output relies heavily on nitrate as the most important source of inorganic nitrogen (N). However, nitrogen dynamics in extreme environments limit plant growth and lead to yield loss and pollution. Therefore, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), which involves the utilisation of the 'right rate', 'right source', 'right time', and 'right place' (4Rs), is key for efficient N management. Recent omics techniques have genetically improved NUE in crops. We herein highlight the mechanisms of N uptake and assimilation in the vegetative and reproductive branches of the cotton plant while considering the known and unknown regulatory factors. The phylogenetic relationships among N transporters in four Gossypium spp. have been reviewed. Further, the N regulatory genes that participate in xylem transport and phloem loading are also discussed. In addition, the functions of microRNAs and transcription factors in modulating the expression of target N regulatory genes are highlighted. Overall, this review provides a detailed perspective on the complex N regulatory mechanism in cotton, which would accelerate the research toward improving NUE in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ninkuu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xuwu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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31
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Konishi N, Mitani-Ueno N, Yamaji N, Ma JF. Polar localization of a rice silicon transporter requires isoleucine at both C- and N-termini as well as positively charged residues. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:2232-2250. [PMID: 36891818 PMCID: PMC10226592 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Silicon (Si) is important for stable and high yields in rice (Oryza sativa), a typical Si hyperaccumulator. The high Si accumulation is achieved by the cooperation of 2 Si transporters, LOW SILICON 1 (OsLsi1) and OsLsi2, which are polarly localized in cells of the root exodermis and endodermis. However, the mechanism underlying their polar localization is unknown. Here, we identified amino acid residues critical for the polar localization of OsLsi1. Deletion of both N- and C-terminal regions resulted in the loss of its polar localization. Furthermore, the deletion of the C-terminus inhibited its trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. Detailed site-directed mutagenesis analysis showed that Ile18 at the N-terminal region and Ile285 at the C-terminal region were essential for the polar localization of OsLsi1. Moreover, a cluster of positively charged residues at the C-terminal region is also required for polar localization. Phosphorylation and Lys modifications of OsLsi1 are unlikely to be involved in its polar localization. Finally, we showed that the polar localization of OsLsi1 is required for the efficient uptake of Si. Our study not only identified critical residues required for the polar localization of OsLsi1, but also provided experimental evidence for the importance of transporter polarity for efficient nutrient uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Konishi
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki 710-0046, Japan
| | - Namiki Mitani-Ueno
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki 710-0046, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamaji
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki 710-0046, Japan
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32
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Lin YC, Tsay YF. Study of vacuole glycerate transporter NPF8.4 reveals a new role of photorespiration in C/N balance. NATURE PLANTS 2023; 9:803-816. [PMID: 37055555 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The photorespiratory intermediate glycerate is known to be shuttled between the peroxisome and chloroplast. Here, localization of NPF8.4 in the tonoplast, together with the reduced vacuolar glycerate content displayed by an npf8.4 mutant and the glycerate efflux activity detected in an oocyte expression system, identifies NPF8.4 as a tonoplast glycerate influx transporter. Our study shows that expression of NPF8.4 and most photorespiration-associated genes, as well as the photorespiration rate, is upregulated in response to short-term nitrogen (N) depletion. We report growth retardation and early senescence phenotypes for npf8.4 mutants specifically upon N depletion, suggesting that the NPF8.4-mediated regulatory pathway for sequestering the photorespiratory carbon intermediate glycerate in vacuoles is important to alleviate the impact of an increased C/N ratio under N deficiency. Thus, our study of NPF8.4 reveals a novel role for photorespiration in N flux to cope with short-term N depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Tsay
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Zhang X, Feng J, Zhao R, Cheng H, Ashraf J, Wang Q, Lv L, Zhang Y, Song G, Zuo D. Functional characterization of the GhNRT2.1e gene reveals its significant role in improving nitrogen use efficiency in Gossypium hirsutum. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15152. [PMID: 37009157 PMCID: PMC10064996 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Nitrate is the primary type of nitrogen available to plants, which is absorbed and transported by nitrate transporter 2 (NRT2) at low nitrate conditions.
Methods
Genome-wide identification of NRT2 genes in G. hirsutum was performed. Gene expression patterns were revealed using RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. Gene functions were characterized using overexpression in A. thaliana and silencing in G. hirsutum. Protein interactions were verified by yeast two-hybrid and luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) assays.
Results
We identified 14, 14, seven, and seven NRT2 proteins in G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. raimondii, and G. arboreum. Most NRT2 proteins were predicted in the plasma membrane. The NRT2 genes were classified into four distinct groups through evolutionary relationships, with members of the same group similar in conserved motifs and gene structure. The promoter regions of NRT2 genes included many elements related to growth regulation, phytohormones, and abiotic stresses. Tissue expression pattern results revealed that most GhNRT2 genes were specifically expressed in roots. Under low nitrate conditions, GhNRT2 genes exhibited different expression levels, with GhNRT2.1e being the most up-regulated. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing GhNRT2.1e exhibited increased biomass, nitrogen and nitrate accumulation, nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency, nitrogen-metabolizing enzyme activity, and amino acid content under low nitrate conditions. In addition, GhNRT2.1e-silenced plants exhibited suppressed nitrate uptake and accumulation, hampered plant growth, affected nitrogen metabolism processes, and reduced tolerance to low nitrate. The results showed that GhNRT2.1e could promote nitrate uptake and transport under low nitrate conditions, thus effectively increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We found that GhNRT2.1e interacts with GhNAR2.1 by yeast two-hybrid and LCI assays.
Discussion
Our research lays the foundation to increase NUE and cultivate new cotton varieties with efficient nitrogen use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Jiajia Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Ruolin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Hailiang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Javaria Ashraf
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Qiaolian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Limin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Youping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Guoli Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Dongyun Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, China
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Sunseri F, Aci MM, Mauceri A, Caldiero C, Puccio G, Mercati F, Abenavoli MR. Short-term transcriptomic analysis at organ scale reveals candidate genes involved in low N responses in NUE-contrasting tomato genotypes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1125378. [PMID: 36938018 PMCID: PMC10020590 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1125378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the complex regulatory network underlying plant nitrogen (N) responses associated with high Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is one of the main challenges for sustainable cropping systems. Nitrate (NO3 -), acting as both an N source and a signal molecule, provokes very fast transcriptome reprogramming, allowing plants to adapt to its availability. These changes are genotype- and tissue-specific; thus, the comparison between contrasting genotypes is crucial to uncovering high NUE mechanisms. METHODS Here, we compared, for the first time, the spatio-temporal transcriptome changes in both root and shoot of two NUE contrasting tomato genotypes, Regina Ostuni (high-NUE) and UC82 (low-NUE), in response to short-term (within 24 h) low (LN) and high (HN) NO3 - resupply. RESULTS Using time-series transcriptome data (0, 8, and 24 h), we identified 395 and 482 N-responsive genes differentially expressed (DEGs) between RO and UC82 in shoot and root, respectively. Protein kinase signaling plant hormone signal transduction, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the main enriched metabolic pathways in shoot and root, respectively, and were upregulated in RO compared to UC82. Interestingly, several N transporters belonging to NRT and NPF families, such as NRT2.3, NRT2.4, NPF1.2, and NPF8.3, were found differentially expressed between RO and UC82 genotypes, which might explain the contrasting NUE performances. Transcription factors (TFs) belonging to several families, such as ERF, LOB, GLK, NFYB, ARF, Zinc-finger, and MYB, were differentially expressed between genotypes in response to LN. A complementary Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) allowed the identification of LN-responsive co-expression modules in RO shoot and root. The regulatory network analysis revealed candidate genes that might have key functions in short-term LN regulation. In particular, an asparagine synthetase (ASNS), a CBL-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (CIPK1), a cytokinin riboside 5'-monophosphate phosphoribohydrolase (LOG8), a glycosyltransferase (UGT73C4), and an ERF2 were identified in the shoot, while an LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase (FEI1) and two TFs NF-YB5 and LOB37 were identified in the root. DISCUSSION Our results revealed potential candidate genes that independently and/or concurrently may regulate short-term low-N response, suggesting a key role played by cytokinin and ROS balancing in early LN regulation mechanisms adopted by the N-use efficient genotype RO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sunseri
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Meriem Miyassa Aci
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Antonio Mauceri
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Ciro Caldiero
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Puccio
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Mercati
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Abenavoli
- Dipartimento Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Tian G, Liu C, Xu X, Xing Y, Liu J, Lyu M, Feng Z, Zhang X, Qin H, Jiang H, Zhu Z, Jiang Y, Ge S. Effects of Magnesium on nitrate uptake and sorbitol synthesis and translocation in apple seedlings. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:139-151. [PMID: 36706693 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Both magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N) play many important roles in plant physiological and biochemical processes. Plants usually exhibit low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) under Mg deficiency conditions, but the mechanisms by which Mg regulates NUE are not well understood. Herein, we investigated biomass, nutrient uptake, sorbitol and sucrose transport, and relative gene expression in apple seedlings under various concentrations of Mg and N treatments in hydroponic cultures. We first observed that low Mg supply significantly limited plant growth and N, Mg concentrations. Increasing the supply of N, but not Mg, partially alleviated the inhibition of plant growth under low Mg stress, which indicated that Mg deficiency had a negative impact on plant growth because it inhibits N absorption. Moreover, we found that the expression of nitrate transporter genes MdNRT2.1 and MdNRT2.4 was significantly downregulated by low Mg stress, and sufficient Mg significantly promoted sucrose and sorbitol synthesis and transport from leaves to roots by regulating relevant enzyme activity and genes expression. Further experiments showed that exogenous sorbitol could rapidly restore MdNRT2.1/2.4 expression and nitrate uptake under low Mg availability without increasing internal Mg level, suggesting that Mg may regulate MdNRT2.1/2.4 expression by regulating more sorbitol transport to roots, the effect of Mg on N was indirect, sorbitol played a key role during this process. Taken together, Mg promoted sorbitol synthesis and transport into roots, thus upregulating the expression of MdNRT2.1/2.4 and increasing the absorption of nitrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Chunling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Xinxiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Jingquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Mengxue Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Ziquan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Xuelin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Hanhan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Han Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Zhanling Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China.
| | - Yuanmao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China.
| | - Shunfeng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China.
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36
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Nazir F, Mahajan M, Khatoon S, Albaqami M, Ashfaque F, Chhillar H, Chopra P, Khan MIR. Sustaining nitrogen dynamics: A critical aspect for improving salt tolerance in plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1087946. [PMID: 36909406 PMCID: PMC9996754 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1087946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the current changing environment, salt stress has become a major concern for plant growth and food production worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms of how plants function in saline environments is critical for initiating efforts to mitigate the detrimental effects of salt stress. Agricultural productivity is linked to nutrient availability, and it is expected that the judicious metabolism of mineral nutrients has a positive impact on alleviating salt-induced losses in crop plants. Nitrogen (N) is a macronutrient that contributes significantly to sustainable agriculture by maintaining productivity and plant growth in both optimal and stressful environments. Significant progress has been made in comprehending the fundamental physiological and molecular mechanisms associated with N-mediated plant responses to salt stress. This review provided an (a) overview of N-sensing, transportation, and assimilation in plants; (b) assess the salt stress-mediated regulation of N dynamics and nitrogen use- efficiency; (c) critically appraise the role of N in plants exposed to salt stress. Furthermore, the existing but less explored crosstalk between N and phytohormones has been discussed that may be utilized to gain a better understanding of plant adaptive responses to salt stress. In addition, the shade of a small beam of light on the manipulation of N dynamics through genetic engineering with an aim of developing salt-tolerant plants is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroza Nazir
- Department of Botany, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Moksh Mahajan
- Department of Botany, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Mohammed Albaqami
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farha Ashfaque
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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Li L, Cheng X, Kong X, Jia P, Wang X, Zhang L, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Zhang B. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Negative Response Mechanism of Peanut Root Morphology and Nitrate Assimilation to Nitrogen Deficiency. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:732. [PMID: 36840080 PMCID: PMC9960604 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Root architecture plays a fundamental role in crop yield, which is sensitive to nitrogen fertilizer. Although it is well studied that nitrogen fertilizer significantly promotes peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth and yield, less information was available on how its root development responds to nitrogen deficiency. In this study, the growth and development of roots were inhibited, as indicated by the significantly decreased root dry weight and length and the lateral root number, especially under 10 days of nitrogen deficiency treatment. The activities and the expression of the genes related to nitrogen assimilation enzymes including nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase and the genes encoding the nitrate transporters were significantly decreased under 10 days of nitrogen deficiency treatment, which may lead to a decrease in nitrate content, as indicated by the significantly decreased nitrogen balance index. Transcriptome sequencing revealed a total of 293 (119 up- and 174 downregulated) and 2271 (1165 up- and 1106 downregulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified after five and ten days of nitrogen deficiency treatments, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in nitrate transportation and assimilation, phytohormone signal transduction, and the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, a putative schematic diagram of nitrogen deficiency inhibiting root growth was established, which gives us a better understanding of nitrogen metabolism in peanut roots and a theoretical basis for improving nitrogen use efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Li
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiangguo Cheng
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiangjun Kong
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Peipei Jia
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding and School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Huang B, Liao Q, Fu H, Ye Z, Mao Y, Luo J, Wang Y, Yuan H, Xin J. Effect of potassium intake on cadmium transporters and root cell wall biosynthesis in sweet potato. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 250:114501. [PMID: 36603483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Large areas of farmland soil in southern China are deficient in potassium (K) and are contaminated with cadmium (Cd). Previously, we suggested that the K supplementation could reduce Cd accumulation in sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). In the present study, we investigated the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms. A hydroponic experiment with different K and Cd treatments was performed to compare the transcriptome profile and the cell wall structure in the roots of sweet potato using RNA sequencing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that K supply inhibits the expressions of IRT1 and YSL3, which are responsible for root Cd uptake under Cd exposure. Furthermore, the expressions of COPT5 and Nramp3 were downregulated by K, which increased Cd retention in the root vacuoles. The upregulation of POD, CAD, INT1 and SUS by K contributed to lignin and cellulose biosynthesis and thickening of root xylem cell wall, which further reduced Cd translocation to the shoot. In addition, K affected the expressions of LHT, ACS, TPS and TPP associated with the production of ethylene and trehalose, which involved in plant resistance to Cd toxicity. In general, K application could decrease the uptake and translocation of Cd in sweet potatoes by regulating the expression of genes associated with Cd transporters and root cell wall components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baifei Huang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Qiong Liao
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Huiling Fu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Ziyi Ye
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Yixiao Mao
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Jiemei Luo
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Yating Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China
| | - Haiwei Yuan
- Hunan Huanbaoqiao Ecology and Environment Engineering Co., Ltd., Changsha 410221, China
| | - Junliang Xin
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang 421002, China.
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Pu Y, Wang P, Abbas M, Khan MA, Xu J, Yang Y, Zhou T, Zheng K, Chen Q, Sun G. Genome-wide identification and analyses of cotton high-affinity nitrate transporter 2 family genes and their responses to stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1170048. [PMID: 37089653 PMCID: PMC10113457 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1170048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate transporters (NRTs) are crucial for the uptake, use, and storage of nitrogen by plants. In this study, 42 members of the GhNRT2 (Nitrate Transporter 2 family) were found in the four different cotton species. The conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, conserved motifs, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and promoter region expression patterns of these 42 members were analyzed. The findings confirmed that members of the NRT2 family behaved typically, and subcellular localization tests confirmed that they were hydrophobic proteins that were mostly located on the cytoplasmic membrane. The NRT2 family of genes with A.thaliana and rice underwent phylogenetic analysis, and the results revealed that GhNRT2 could be divided into three groups. The same taxa also shared similar gene structure and motif distribution. The composition of cis-acting elements suggests that most of the expression of GhNRT2 may be related to plant hormones, abiotic stress, and photoreactions. The GhNRT2 gene was highly expressed, mainly in roots. Drought, salt, and extreme temperature stress showed that GhNRT2 gene expression was significantly up-regulated or down-regulated, indicating that it may be involved in the stress response of cotton. In general, the genes of the NRT2 family of cotton were comprehensively analyzed, and their potential nitrogen uptake and utilization functions in cotton were preliminarily predicted. Additionally, we provide an experimental basis for the adverse stress conditions in which they may function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchun Pu
- College of Agronomy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peilin Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mubashir Abbas
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Aamir Khan
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangling Xu
- College of Agronomy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yejun Yang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- College of Agronomy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Quanjia Chen
- College of Agronomy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Quanjia Chen, ; Guoqing Sun,
| | - Guoqing Sun
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Quanjia Chen, ; Guoqing Sun,
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Sinsirimongkol K, Buasong A, Teppabut Y, Pholmanee N, Chen Y, Miller AJ, Punyasuk N. EgNRT2.3 and EgNAR2 expression are controlled by nitrogen deprivation and encode proteins that function as a two-component nitrate uptake system in oil palm. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 279:153833. [PMID: 36257088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2022.153833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is an important crop for oil and biodiesel production. Oil palm plantations require extensive fertilizer additions to achieve a high yield. Fertilizer application decisions and management for oil palm farming rely on leaf tissue and soil nutrient analyses with little information available to describe the key players for nutrient uptake. A molecular understanding of how nutrients, especially nitrogen (N), are taken up in oil palm is very important to improve fertilizer use and formulation practice in oil palm plantations. In this work, two nitrate uptake genes in oil palm, EgNRT2.3 and EgNAR2, were cloned and characterized. Spatial expression analysis showed high expression of these two genes was mainly found in un-lignified young roots. Interestingly, EgNRT2.3 and EgNAR2 were up-regulated by N deprivation, but their expression pattern depended on the form of N source. Promoter analysis of these two genes confirmed the presence of regulatory elements that support these expression patterns. The Xenopus oocyte assay showed that EgNRT2.3 and EgNAR2 had to act together to take up nitrate. The results suggest that EgNRT2.3 and EgNAR2 act as a two-component nitrate uptake system in oil palm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atcharaporn Buasong
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Yada Teppabut
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Nutthida Pholmanee
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Anthony J Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Napassorn Punyasuk
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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Saini MR, Chandran LP, Barbadikar KM, Sevanthi AMV, Chawla G, Kaushik M, Mulani E, Phule AS, Govindannagari R, Sonth B, Sinha SK, Sundaram RM, Mandal PK. Understanding plant-microbe interaction of rice and soybean with two contrasting diazotrophic bacteria through comparative transcriptome analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:939395. [PMID: 36483966 PMCID: PMC9724235 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.939395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the beneficial plant-microbe interactions is becoming extremely critical for deploying microbes imparting plant fitness and achieving sustainability in agriculture. Diazotrophic bacteria have the unique ability to survive without external sources of nitrogen and simultaneously promote host plant growth, but the mechanisms of endophytic interaction in cereals and legumes have not been studied extensively. We have studied the early interaction of two diazotrophic bacteria, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (GAB) and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BRH), in 15-day-old seedlings of rice and soybean up to 120 h after inoculation (hai) under low-nitrogen medium. Root colonization of GAB in rice was higher than that of BRH, and BRH colonization was higher in soybean roots as observed from the scanning electron microscopy at 120 hai. Peroxidase enzyme was significantly higher at 24 hai but thereafter was reduced sharply in soybean and gradually in rice. The roots of rice and soybean inoculated with GAB and BRH harvested from five time points were pooled, and transcriptome analysis was executed along with control. Two pathways, "Plant pathogen interaction" and "MAPK signaling," were specific to Rice-Gluconacetobacter (RG), whereas the pathways related to nitrogen metabolism and plant hormone signaling were specific to Rice-Bradyrhizobium (RB) in rice. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the root tissues revealed that several plant-diazotroph-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolic pathways of plant-diazotroph-specific transcripts, viz., chitinase, brassinosteroid, auxin, Myeloblastosis (MYB), nodulin, and nitrate transporter (NRT), were common in all plant-diazotroph combinations; three transcripts, viz., nitrate transport accessory protein (NAR), thaumatin, and thionin, were exclusive in rice and another three transcripts, viz., NAC (NAM: no apical meristem, ATAF: Arabidopsis thaliana activating factor, and CUC: cup-shaped cotyledon), ABA (abscisic acid), and ammonium transporter, were exclusive in soybean. Differential expression of these transcripts and reduction in pathogenesis-related (PR) protein expression show the early interaction. Based on the interaction, it can be inferred that the compatibility of rice and soybean is more with GAB and BRH, respectively. We propose that rice is unable to identify the diazotroph as a beneficial microorganism or a pathogen from an early response. So, it expressed the hypersensitivity-related transcripts along with PR proteins. The molecular mechanism of diazotrophic associations of GAB and BRH with rice vis-à-vis soybean will shed light on the basic understanding of host responses to beneficial microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Ranjan Saini
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | | | - Amitha Mithra V. Sevanthi
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Gautam Chawla
- Division of Nematology, ICAR- Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Megha Kaushik
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ekta Mulani
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Bandeppa Sonth
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subodh Kumar Sinha
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Pranab Kumar Mandal
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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42
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Rogato A, Valkov VT, Chiurazzi M. LjNRT2.3 plays a hierarchical role in the control of high affinity transport system for root nitrate acquisition in Lotus japonicus. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1042513. [PMID: 36438153 PMCID: PMC9687105 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1042513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is a key mineral nutrient required for plant growth and development. Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to respond to changes of nutritional availability in the surrounding environment and the optimization of root nitrate acquisition under nitrogen starvation is crucial to cope with unfavoured condition of growth. In this study we present a general description of the regulatory transcriptional and spatial profile of expression of the Lotus japonicus nitrate transporter NRT2 family. Furthermore, we report a phenotypic characterization of two independent Ljnrt2.3 knock out mutants indicating the involvement of the LjNRT2.3 gene in the root nitrate acquisition and lateral root elongation pathways occurring in response to N starvation conditions. We also report an epistatic relationship between LjNRT2.3 and LjNRT2.1 suggesting a combined mode of action of these two genes in order to optimize the Lotus response to a prolonged N starvation.
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Zhang LD, Song LY, Dai MJ, Guo ZJ, Wei MY, Li J, Xu CQ, Zhu XY, Zheng HL. Cadmium promotes the absorption of ammonium in hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L. mediated by ammonium transporters and aquaporins. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:136031. [PMID: 35981624 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal affecting the normal growth of plants. Nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) are the primary forms of inorganic nitrogen (N) absorbed by plants. However, the mechanism of N absorption and regulation under Cd stress remains unclear. This study found that: (1) Cd treatment affected the biomass, root length, and Cd2+ flux in Solanum nigrum seedling roots. Specifically, 50 μM Cd significantly inhibited NO3- influx while increased NH4+ influx compared with 0 and 5 μM Cd treatments measured by non-invasive micro-test technology. (2) qRT-PCR analysis showed that 50 μM Cd inhibited the expressions of nitrate transporter genes, SnNRT2;4 and SnNRT2;4-like, increased the expressions of ammonium transporter genes, SnAMT1;2 and SnAMT1;3, in the roots. (3) Under NH4+ supply, 50 μM Cd significantly induced the expressions of the aquaporin genes, SnPIP1;5, SnPIP2;7, and SnTIP2;1. Our results showed that 50 μM Cd stress promoted NH4+ absorption by up-regulating the gene expressions of NH4+ transporter and aquaporins, suggesting that high Cd stress can affect the preference of N nutrition in S. nigrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Ling-Yu Song
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Ming-Jin Dai
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Ze-Jun Guo
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Ming-Yue Wei
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Chao-Qun Xu
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Xue-Yi Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China
| | - Hai-Lei Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research of MOE, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, PR China.
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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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Rui W, Mao Z, Li Z. The Roles of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Nutrient Transporters in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911027. [PMID: 36232323 PMCID: PMC9570102 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 80% of land plant species can form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and nutrient transfer to plants is largely mediated through this partnership. Over the last few years, great progress has been made in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the AM-mediated modulation of nutrient uptake progress, and a growing number of fungal and plant genes responsible for the uptake of nutrients from soil or transfer across the fungal–root interface have been identified. In this review, we outline the current concepts of nutrient exchanges within this symbiosis (mechanisms and regulation) and focus on P and N transfer from the fungal partner to the host plant, with a highlight on a possible interplay between P and N nutrient exchanges. Transporters belonging to the plant or AM fungi can synergistically process the transmembrane transport of soil nutrients to the symbiotic interface for further plant acquisition. Although much progress has been made to elucidate the complex mechanism for the integrated roles of nutrient transfers in AM symbiosis, questions still remain to be answered; for example, P and N transporters are less studied in different species of AM fungi; the involvement of AM fungi in plant N uptake is not as clearly defined as that of P; coordinated utilization of N and P is unknown; transporters of cultivated plants inoculated with AM fungi and transcriptomic and metabolomic networks at both the soil–fungi interface and fungi–plant interface have been insufficiently studied. These findings open new perspectives for fundamental research and application of AM fungi in agriculture.
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Wu X, Xie X, Yang S, Yin Q, Cao H, Dong X, Hui J, Liu Z, Jia Z, Mao C, Yuan L. OsAMT1;1 and OsAMT1;2 Coordinate Root Morphological and Physiological Responses to Ammonium for Efficient Nitrogen Foraging in Rice. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 63:1309-1320. [PMID: 35861152 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Optimal plant growth and development rely on morphological and physiological adaptions of the root system to forage heterogeneously distributed nitrogen (N) in soils. Rice grows mainly in the paddy soil where ammonium (NH4+) is present as the major N source. Although root NH4+ foraging behaviors are expected to be agronomically relevant, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that NH4+ supply transiently enhanced the high-affinity NH4+ uptake and stimulated lateral root (LR) branching and elongation. These synergistic physiological and morphological responses were closely related to NH4+-induced expression of NH4+ transporters OsAMT1;1 and OsAMT1;2 in roots. The two independent double mutants (dko) defective in OsAMT1;1 and OsAMT1;2 failed to induce NH4+ uptake and stimulate LR formation, suggesting that OsAMT1s conferred the substrate-dependent root NH4+ foraging. In dko plants, NH4+ was unable to activate the expression of OsPIN2, and the OsPIN2 mutant (lra1) exhibited a strong reduction in NH4+-triggered LR branching, suggesting that the auxin pathway was likely involved in OsAMT1s-dependent LR branching. Importantly, OsAMT1s-dependent root NH4+ foraging behaviors facilitated rice growth and N acquisition under fluctuating NH4+ supply. These results revealed an essential role of OsAMT1s in synergizing root morphological and physiological processes, allowing for efficient root NH4+ foraging to optimize N capture under fluctuating N availabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qianyu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huairong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaonan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Hui
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongtao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chuanzao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310058, China
| | - Lixing Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, MOE, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
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Shen C, Li Q, An Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, He F, Chen L, Liu C, Mao W, Wang X, Liang H, Yin W, Xia X. The transcription factor GNC optimizes nitrogen use efficiency and growth by up-regulating the expression of nitrate uptake and assimilation genes in poplar. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:4778-4792. [PMID: 35526197 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved complex mechanisms to cope with the fluctuating environmental availability of nitrogen. However, potential genes modulating plant responses to nitrate are yet to be characterized. Here, a poplar GATA transcription factor gene PdGNC (GATA nitrate-inducible carbon-metabolism-involved) was found to be strongly induced by low nitrate. Overexpressing PdGNC in poplar clone 717-1B4 (P. tremula × alba) significantly improved nitrate uptake, remobilization, and assimilation with higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and faster growth, particularly under low nitrate conditions. Conversely, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated poplar mutant gnc exhibited decreased nitrate uptake, relocation, and assimilation, combined with lower NUE and slower growth. Assays with yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and a dual-luciferase reporter showed that PdGNC directly activated the promoters of nitrogen pathway genes PdNRT2.4b, PdNR, PdNiR, and PdGS2, leading to a significant increase in nitrate utilization in poplar. As expected, the enhanced NUE promoted growth under low nitrate availability. Taken together, our data show that PdGNC plays an important role in the regulation of NUE and growth in poplar by improving nitrate acquisition, remobilization, and assimilation, and provide a promising strategy for molecular breeding to improve productivity under nitrogen limitation in trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shen
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi An
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyan Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang He
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Chen
- Hangzhou Lifeng Seed Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Chao Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Salver Academy of Botany, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Salver Academy of Botany, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, China
| | - Haiying Liang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Weilun Yin
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinli Xia
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Zhou J, Huang PW, Li X, Vaistij FE, Dai CC. Generalist endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris colonization of Oryza sativa L. promotes plant growth under nitrogen starvation. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 109:703-715. [PMID: 35522401 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-022-01268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fungal endophytes establish symbiotic relationships with host plants, which results in a mutual growth benefit. However, little is known about the plant genetic response underpinning endophyte colonization. Phomopsis liquidambaris usually lives as an endophyte in a wide range of asymptomatic hosts and promotes biotic and abiotic stress resistance. In this study, we show that under low nitrogen conditions P. liquidambaris promotes rice growth in a hydroponic system, which is free of other microorganisms. In order to gain insights into the mechanisms of plant colonization by P. liquidambaris under low nitrogen conditions, we compared root and shoot transcriptome profiles of root-inoculated rice at different colonization stages. We determined that genes related to plant growth promotion, such as gibberellin and auxin related genes, were up-regulated at all developmental stages both locally and systemically. The largest group of up-regulated genes (in both roots and shoots) were related to flavonoid biosynthesis, which is involved in plant growth as well as antimicrobial compounds. Furthermore, genes encoding plant defense-related endopeptidase inhibitors were strongly up-regulated at the early stage of colonization. Together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant-microbe mutualism and the promotion of plant growth by a fungal endophyte under nitrogen-deficient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, YO10 5DD, York, United Kingdom
| | - Peng-Wei Huang
- Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Fabián E Vaistij
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, YO10 5DD, York, United Kingdom
| | - Chuan-Chao Dai
- Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 210023, Nanjing, China.
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Root nitrate uptake in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is modulated by transcriptional and presumably posttranscriptional regulation of the NRT2.1/NRT3.1 transport system. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:1403-1421. [PMID: 35879567 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01929-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Nitrate uptake in sugarcane roots is regulated at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels based on the physiological status of the plant and is likely a determinant mechanism for discrimination against nitrate. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most suitable energy crops for biofuel feedstock, but the reduced recovery of nitrogen (N) fertilizer by sugarcane roots increases the crop carbon footprint. The low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of sugarcane has been associated with the significantly low nitrate uptake, which limits the utilization of the large amount of nitrate available in agricultural soils. To understand the regulation of nitrate uptake in sugarcane roots, we identified the major canonical nitrate transporter genes (NRTs-NITRATE TRANSPORTERS) and then determined their expression profiles in roots under contrasting N conditions. Correlation of gene expression with 15N-nitrate uptake revealed that under N deprivation or inorganic N (ammonium or nitrate) supply in N-sufficient roots, the regulation of ScNRT2.1 and ScNRT3.1 expression is the predominant mechanism for the modulation of the activity of the nitrate high-affinity transport system. Conversely, in N-deficient roots, the induction of ScNRT2.1 and ScNRT3.1 transcription is not correlated with the marked repression of nitrate uptake in response to nitrate resupply or high N provision, which suggested the existence of a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism. Our findings suggested that high-affinity nitrate uptake is regulated at the transcriptional and presumably at the posttranscriptional levels based on the physiological N status and that the regulation of NRT2.1 and NRT3.1 activity is likely a determinant mechanism for the discrimination against nitrate uptake observed in sugarcane roots, which contributes to the low NUE in this crop species.
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50
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Lu YT, Liu DF, Wen TT, Fang ZJ, Chen SY, Li H, Gong JM. Vacuolar nitrate efflux requires multiple functional redundant nitrate transporter in Arabidopsis thaliana. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:926809. [PMID: 35937356 PMCID: PMC9355642 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.926809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate in plants is preferentially stored in vacuoles; however, how vacuolar nitrate is reallocated and to which biological process(es) it might contribute remain largely elusive. In this study, we functionally characterized three nitrate transporters NPF5.10, NPF5.14, and NPF8.5 that are tonoplast-localized. Ectopic expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed that they mediate low-affinity nitrate transport. Histochemical analysis showed that these transporters were expressed preferentially in pericycle and xylem parenchyma cells. NPF5.10, NPF5.14, and NPF8.5 overexpression significantly decreased vacuolar nitrate contents and nitrate accumulation in Arabidopsis shoots. Further analysis showed that the sextuple mutant (npf5.10 npf5.14 npf8.5 npf5.11 npf5.12 npf5.16) had a higher 15NO3-uptake rate than the wild-type Col-0, but no significant difference was observed for nitrate accumulation between them. The septuple mutant (npf5.11 npf5.12 npf5.16 npf5.10 npf5.14 npf8.5 clca) generated by using CRISPR/Cas9 showed essentially decreased nitrate reallocation compared to wild type when exposed to nitrate starvation, though no further decrease was observed when compared to clca. Notably, NPF5.10, NPF5.14, and NPF8.5 as well as NPF5.11, NPF5.12, and NPF5.16 were consistently induced by mannitol, and more nitrate was detected in the sextuple mutant than in the wild type after mannitol treatment. These observations suggest that vacuolar nitrate efflux is regulated by several functional redundant nitrate transporters, and the reallocation might contribute to osmotic stress response other than mineral nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - De-Fen Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wen
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Jun Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Ying Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Ming Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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