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Wu Q, Xu J, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Zhou L, Ning L, Shabala S, Zhao H. Transcription factor ZmEREB97 regulates nitrate uptake in maize (Zea mays) roots. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 196:535-550. [PMID: 38743701 PMCID: PMC11376383 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) has very strong requirements for nitrogen. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulations of nitrogen uptake and translocation in this species are not fully understood. Here, we report that an APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) transcription factor ZmEREB97 functions as an important regulator in the N signaling network in maize. Predominantly expressed and accumulated in main root and lateral root primordia, ZmEREB97 rapidly responded to nitrate treatment. By overlapping the analyses of differentially expressed genes and conducting a DAP-seq assay, we identified 1,446 potential target genes of ZmEREB97. Among these, 764 genes were coregulated in 2 lines of zmereb97 mutants. Loss of function of ZmEREB97 substantially weakened plant growth under both hydroponic and soil conditions. Physiological characterization of zmereb97 mutant plants demonstrated that reduced biomass and grain yield were both associated with reduced nitrate influx, decreased nitrate content, and less N accumulation. We further demonstrated that ZmEREB97 directly targets and regulates the expression of 6 ZmNRT genes by binding to the GCC-box-related sequences in gene promoters. Collectively, these data suggest that ZmEREB97 is a major positive regulator of the nitrate response and that it plays an important role in optimizing nitrate uptake, offering a target for improvement of nitrogen use efficiency in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Jinyan Xu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yingdi Zhao
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yuancong Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Lihua Ning
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Sergey Shabala
- School of Biological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Horticulture and International Research Centre for Environmental Membrane Biology, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
- Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation in Downstream of Huaihe River, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing 210014, China
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Li S, Ji M, Liu F, Zhu M, Yang Y, Zhang W, Liu S, Wang Y, Lv W, Qi S. NRG2 family members of Arabidopsis and maize regulate nitrate signalling and promote nitrogen use efficiency. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14251. [PMID: 38472740 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and most plants absorb it as nitrate. AtNRG2 has been reported to play an important role in nitrate regulation. In this study, we investigated the functions of AtNRG2 family members of Arabidopsis thaliana and maize in nitrate signalling and metabolism. Our results showed that both AtNRG2.10 and AtNRG2.15 regulated nitrate signalling and metabolism. Overexpression of AtNRG2.11 (AtNRG2) could promote plant growth and improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). In addition, the maize genome harbors 23 ZmNRG2 members. We detected the expression of these genes treated with nitrate and the expression of four genes was strongly induced with ZmNRG2.7 having the highest levels. Overexpression of ZmNRG2.7 in the atnrg2 mutant could restore the defects of atnrg2, suggesting that ZmNRG2.7 is involved in nitrate signalling and metabolism. Moreover, the overexpression lines of ZmNRG2.7 showed increased biomass and NUE. These findings demonstrate that at least a part of NRG2 family genes in Arabidopsis and maize regulate nitrate signalling and provide a molecular basis for improving the NUE of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuna Li
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
- College of Agronomy, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Meiling Ji
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Fei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Jining Medical University
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Shubing Liu
- College of Agronomy, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Wei Lv
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Shengdong Qi
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, Shandong Agricultural University
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Li D, Jin Y, Lu QH, Ren N, Wang YQ, Li QS. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of NIN-like protein (NLP) genes: Exploring their potential roles in nitrate response in tea plant (Camellia sinensis). PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 207:108340. [PMID: 38199025 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108340] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
NIN-like proteins (NLPs) are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that are unique to plants and play a pivotal role in responses to nitrate uptake and assimilation. However, a comprehensive analysis of NLP members in tea plants is lacking. The present study performed a genome-wide analysis and identified 33 NLP gene family members of Camellia sinensis that were distributed unequally across 5 chromosomes. Subcellular localisation predictions revealed that all CsNLP proteins were localised in the nucleus. Conservative domain analysis revealed that all of these proteins contained conserved RWP-RK and PB1 domains. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the CsNLP gene family into four clusters. The promoter regions of CsNLPs harboured cis-acting elements associated with plant hormones and abiotic stress responses. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that CsNLP8 was significantly upregulated in roots under nitrate stress conditions. Subcellular localisation analysis found CsNLP8 localised to the nucleus. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that CsNLP8 positively regulated the expression of a nitrate transporter gene (CsNRT2.2). These findings provide a comprehensive characterisation of NLP genes in Camellia sinensis and offer insights into the biological function of CsNLP8 in regulating the response to nitrate-induced stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Li
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Ya Jin
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China; College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Qin-Hua Lu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Ying-Qi Wang
- College of Tea Science and Tea Culture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Qing-Sheng Li
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China.
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Cao H, Liu Z, Guo J, Jia Z, Shi Y, Kang K, Peng W, Wang Z, Chen L, Neuhaeuser B, Wang Y, Liu X, Hao D, Yuan L. ZmNRT1.1B (ZmNPF6.6) determines nitrogen use efficiency via regulation of nitrate transport and signalling in maize. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:316-329. [PMID: 37786281 PMCID: PMC10826987 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14185] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3 - ) is crucial for optimal plant growth and development and often limits crop productivity under low availability. In comparison with model plant Arabidopsis, the molecular mechanisms underlying NO3 - acquisition and utilization remain largely unclear in maize. In particular, only a few genes have been exploited to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Here, we demonstrated that NO3 - -inducible ZmNRT1.1B (ZmNPF6.6) positively regulated NO3 - -dependent growth and NUE in maize. We showed that the tandem duplicated proteoform ZmNRT1.1C is irrelevant to maize seedling growth under NO3 - supply; however, the loss of function of ZmNRT1.1B significantly weakened plant growth under adequate NO3 - supply under both hydroponic and field conditions. The 15 N-labelled NO3 - absorption assay indicated that ZmNRT1.1B mediated the high-affinity NO3 - -transport and root-to-shoot NO3 - translocation. Transcriptome analysis further showed, upon NO3 - supply, ZmNRT1.1B promotes cytoplasmic-to-nuclear shuttling of ZmNLP3.1 (ZmNLP8), which co-regulates the expression of genes involved in NO3 - response, cytokinin biosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Remarkably, overexpression of ZmNRT1.1B in modern maize hybrids improved grain yield under N-limiting fields. Taken together, our study revealed a crucial role of ZmNRT1.1B in high-affinity NO3 - transport and signalling and offers valuable genetic resource for breeding N use efficient high-yield cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huairong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jia Guo
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology of Jilin ProvincialInstitute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS)JilinChina
| | - Zhongtao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yandong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kai Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wushuang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhangkui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Limei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Resilience, College of Biological Sciences, Center for Crop Functional Genomics and Molecular BreedingChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Benjamin Neuhaeuser
- Department of Nutritional Crop Physiology, Institute of Crop ScienceUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | - Yong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life SciencesShandong Agricultural UniversityTai'anShandongChina
| | - Xiangguo Liu
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology of Jilin ProvincialInstitute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS)JilinChina
| | - Dongyun Hao
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Biotechnology of Jilin ProvincialInstitute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS)JilinChina
| | - Lixing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green DevelopmentChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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Wu J, Sun LQ, Song Y, Bai Y, Wan GY, Wang JX, Xia JQ, Zhang ZY, Zhang ZS, Zhao Z, Xiang CB. The OsNLP3/4-OsRFL module regulates nitrogen-promoted panicle architecture in rice. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:2404-2418. [PMID: 37845836 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19318] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Rice panicles, a major component of yield, are regulated by phytohormones and nutrients. How mineral nutrients promote panicle architecture remains largely unknown. Here, we report that NIN-LIKE PROTEIN3 and 4 (OsNLP3/4) are crucial positive regulators of rice panicle architecture in response to nitrogen (N). Loss-of-function mutants of either OsNLP3 or OsNLP4 produced smaller panicles with reduced primary and secondary branches and fewer grains than wild-type, whereas their overexpression plants showed the opposite phenotypes. The OsNLP3/4-regulated panicle architecture was positively correlated with N availability. OsNLP3/4 directly bind to the promoter of OsRFL and activate its expression to promote inflorescence meristem development. Furthermore, OsRFL activates OsMOC1 expression by binding to its promoter. Our findings reveal the novel N-responsive OsNLP3/4-OsRFL-OsMOC1 module that integrates N availability to regulate panicle architecture, shedding light on how N nutrient signals regulate panicle architecture and providing candidate targets for the improvement of crop yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Liang-Qi Sun
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Ying Song
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Experimental Center of Engineering and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Guang-Yu Wan
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Jing-Xian Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Jin-Qiu Xia
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Zheng-Yi Zhang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Zi-Sheng Zhang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Zhong Zhao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
| | - Cheng-Bin Xiang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230027, China
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Zhu J, Dai W, Chen B, Cai G, Wu X, Yan G. Research Progress on the Effect of Nitrogen on Rapeseed between Seed Yield and Oil Content and Its Regulation Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14504. [PMID: 37833952 PMCID: PMC10572985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914504] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops in China. Improving the oil production of rapeseed is an important way to ensure the safety of edible oil in China. Oil production is an important index that reflects the quality of rapeseed and is determined by the oil content and yield. Applying nitrogen is an important way to ensure a strong and stable yield. However, the seed oil content has been shown to be reduced in most rapeseed varieties after nitrogen application. Thus, it is critical to screen elite germplasm resources with stable or improved oil content under high levels of nitrogen, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the regulation by nitrogen of oil accumulation. However, few studies on these aspects have been published. In this review, we analyze the effect of nitrogen on the growth and development of rapeseed, including photosynthetic assimilation, substance distribution, and the synthesis of lipids and proteins. In this process, the expression levels of genes related to nitrogen absorption, assimilation, and transport changed after nitrogen application, which enhanced the ability of carbon and nitrogen assimilation and increased biomass, thus leading to a higher yield. After a crop enters the reproductive growth phase, photosynthates in the body are transported to the developing seed for protein and lipid synthesis. However, protein synthesis precedes lipid synthesis, and a large number of photosynthates are consumed during protein synthesis, which weakens lipid synthesis. Moreover, we suggest several research directions, especially for exploring genes involved in lipid and protein accumulation under nitrogen regulation. In this study, we summarize the effects of nitrogen at both the physiological and molecular levels, aiming to reveal the mechanisms of nitrogen regulation in oil accumulation and, thereby, provide a theoretical basis for breeding varieties with a high oil content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guixin Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PRC, Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430062, China; (J.Z.)
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Lin C, Guo X, Yu X, Li S, Li W, Yu X, An F, Zhao P, Ruan M. Genome-Wide Survey of the RWP-RK Gene Family in Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Functional Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12925. [PMID: 37629106 PMCID: PMC10454212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612925] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The plant-specific RWP-RK transcription factor family plays a central role in the regulation of nitrogen response and gametophyte development. However, little information is available regarding the evolutionary relationships and characteristics of the RWP-RK family genes in cassava, an important tropical crop. Herein, 13 RWP-RK proteins identified in cassava were unevenly distributed across 9 of the 18 chromosomes (Chr), and these proteins were divided into two clusters based on their phylogenetic distance. The NLP subfamily contained seven cassava proteins including GAF, RWP-RK, and PB1 domains; the RKD subfamily contained six cassava proteins including the RWP-RK domain. Genes of the NLP subfamily had a longer sequence and more introns than the RKD subfamily. A large number of hormone- and stress-related cis-acting elements were found in the analysis of RWP-RK promoters. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that all MeNLP1-7 and MeRKD1/3/5 genes responded to different abiotic stressors (water deficit, cold temperature, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, NaCl, and H2O2), hormonal treatments (abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate), and nitrogen starvation. MeNLP3/4/5/6/7 and MeRKD3/5, which can quickly and efficiently respond to different stresses, were found to be important candidate genes for further functional assays in cassava. The MeRKD5 and MeNLP6 proteins were localized to the cell nucleus in tobacco leaf. Five and one candidate proteins interacting with MeRKD5 and MeNLP6, respectively, were screened from the cassava nitrogen starvation library, including agamous-like mads-box protein AGL14, metallothionein 2, Zine finger FYVE domain containing protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, E3 Ubiquitin-protein ligase HUWE1, and PPR repeat family protein. These results provided a solid basis to understand abiotic stress responses and signal transduction mediated by RWP-RK genes in cassava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Lin
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (C.L.); (X.G.); (X.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (S.L.); (W.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xin Guo
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (C.L.); (X.G.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (C.L.); (X.G.); (X.Y.)
| | - Shuxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (S.L.); (W.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Wenbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (S.L.); (W.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaoling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (S.L.); (W.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Feng An
- Hainan Danzhou Agro-Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Rubber Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou 571737, China;
| | - Pingjuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (S.L.); (W.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Mengbin Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China; (S.L.); (W.L.); (X.Y.)
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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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9
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Wang L, Tian T, Liang J, Li R, Xin X, Qi Y, Zhou Y, Fan Q, Ning G, Becana M, Duanmu D. A transcription factor of the NAC family regulates nitrate-induced legume nodule senescence. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 238:2113-2129. [PMID: 36945893 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18896] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Legumes establish symbioses with rhizobia by forming nitrogen-fixing nodules. Nitrate is a major environmental factor that affects symbiotic functioning. However, the molecular mechanism of nitrate-induced nodule senescence is poorly understood. Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals an NAC-type transcription factor in Lotus japonicus, LjNAC094, that acts as a positive regulator in nitrate-induced nodule senescence. Stable overexpression and mutant lines of NAC094 were constructed and used for phenotypic characterization. DNA-affinity purification sequencing was performed to identify NAC094 targeting genes and results were confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift and transactivation assays. Overexpression of NAC094 induces premature nodule senescence. Knocking out NAC094 partially relieves nitrate-induced degradation of leghemoglobins and abolishes nodule expression of senescence-associated genes (SAGs) that contain a conserved binding motif for NAC094. Nitrate-triggered metabolic changes in wild-type nodules are largely affected in nac094 mutant nodules. Induction of NAC094 and its targeting SAGs was almost blocked in the nitrate-insensitive nlp1, nlp4, and nlp1 nlp4 mutants. We conclude that NAC094 functions downstream of NLP1 and NLP4 by regulating nitrate-induced expression of SAGs. Our study fills in a key gap between nitrate and the execution of nodule senescence, and provides a potential strategy to improve nitrogen fixation and stress tolerance of legumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianjun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Runhui Li
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xian Xin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yongmei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yumiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qiuling Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Guogui Ning
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Manuel Becana
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Estación Experimental de Aula Dei, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avenida Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Deqiang Duanmu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
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10
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Zhang Q, Li J, Wen X, Deng C, Yang X, Dai S. Genome-wide identification and characterization analysis of RWP-RK family genes reveal their role in flowering time of Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:197. [PMID: 37061708 PMCID: PMC10105424 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RWP-RKs are plant specific transcription factors, which are widely distributed in plants in the form of polygenic families and play key role in nitrogen absorption and utilization, and are crucial to plant growth and development. However, the genome-wide identification and function of RWP-RK in Compositae plants are widely unknown. RESULTS In this study, 101 RWP-RKs in Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium were identified and tandem repeat was an important way for the expansion of RWP-RKs in Compositae species. 101 RWP-RKs contain 38 NIN-like proteins (NLPs) and 31 RWP- RK domain proteins (RKDs), as well as 32 specific expansion members. qRT-PCR results showed that 7 ClNLPs in leaves were up-regulated at the floral transition stage, 10 ClNLPs were negatively regulated by low nitrate conditions, and 3 of them were up-regulated by optimal nitrate conditions. In addition, the flowering time of Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium was advanced under optimal nitrate conditions, the expression level of Cryptochromes (ClCRYs), phytochrome C (ClPHYC) and the floral integration genes GIGANTEA (ClGI), CONSTANS-LIKE (ClCOL1, ClCOL4, ClCOL5), FLOWERING LOCUS T (ClFT), FLOWERING LOCUS C (ClFLC), SUPPRESSOR OF OVER-EXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (ClSOC1) also were up-regulated. The expression level of ClCRY1a, ClCRY1c, ClCRY2a and ClCRY2c in the vegetative growth stage induced by optimal nitrate reached the expression level induced by short-day in the reproductive growth stage, which supplemented the induction effect of short-day on the transcription level of floral-related genes in advance. CONCLUSIONS It was speculated that ClNLPs may act on the photoperiodic pathway under optimal nitrate environment, and ultimately regulate the flowering time by up-regulating the transcription level of ClCRYs. These results provide new perspective for exploring the mechanism of nitrate/nitrogen affecting flowering in higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Education Ministry, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Junzhuo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Education Ministry, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaohui Wen
- Zhejiang University, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | | | - Xiuzhen Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Education Ministry, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Silan Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ornamental Plants Germplasm Innovation & Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants of Education Ministry, School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
- School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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11
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Alam I, Zhang H, Du H, Rehman NU, Manghwar H, Lei X, Batool K, Ge L. Bioengineering Techniques to Improve Nitrogen Transformation and Utilization: Implications for Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Future Sustainable Crop Production. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3921-3938. [PMID: 36842151 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and development, especially in physiological and biochemical processes such as component of different proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and plant growth regulators. Six categories, such as transporters, nitrate absorption, signal molecules, amino acid biosynthesis, transcription factors, and miscellaneous genes, broadly encompass the genes regulating NUE in various cereal crops. Herein, we outline detailed research on bioengineering modifications of N metabolism to improve the different crop yields and biomass. We emphasize effective and precise molecular approaches and technologies, including N transporters, transgenics, omics, etc., which are opening up fascinating opportunities for a complete analysis of the molecular elements that contribute to NUE. Moreover, the detection of various types of N compounds and associated signaling pathways within plant organs have been discussed. Finally, we highlight the broader impacts of increasing NUE in crops, crucial for better agricultural yield and in the greater context of global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Intikhab Alam
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Department of Grassland Science, South China Agricultural University (SCAU), Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Life Sciences, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Subcenter of the National Center for Soybean Improvement, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hanyin Zhang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Department of Grassland Science, South China Agricultural University (SCAU), Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Subcenter of the National Center for Soybean Improvement, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huan Du
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Department of Grassland Science, South China Agricultural University (SCAU), Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Life Sciences, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Subcenter of the National Center for Soybean Improvement, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Naveed Ur Rehman
- Guangdong Subcenter of the National Center for Soybean Improvement, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hakim Manghwar
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiao Lei
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Department of Grassland Science, South China Agricultural University (SCAU), Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Subcenter of the National Center for Soybean Improvement, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Khadija Batool
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Liangfa Ge
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Department of Grassland Science, South China Agricultural University (SCAU), Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Subcenter of the National Center for Soybean Improvement, SCAU, Guangzhou 510642, China
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12
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Aluko OO, Kant S, Adedire OM, Li C, Yuan G, Liu H, Wang Q. Unlocking the potentials of nitrate transporters at improving plant nitrogen use efficiency. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1074839. [PMID: 36895876 PMCID: PMC9989036 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1074839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate ( NO 3 - ) transporters have been identified as the primary targets involved in plant nitrogen (N) uptake, transport, assimilation, and remobilization, all of which are key determinants of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, less attention has been directed toward the influence of plant nutrients and environmental cues on the expression and activities of NO 3 - transporters. To better understand how these transporters function in improving plant NUE, this review critically examined the roles of NO 3 - transporters in N uptake, transport, and distribution processes. It also described their influence on crop productivity and NUE, especially when co-expressed with other transcription factors, and discussed these transporters' functional roles in helping plants cope with adverse environmental conditions. We equally established the possible impacts of NO 3 - transporters on the uptake and utilization efficiency of other plant nutrients while suggesting possible strategic approaches to improving NUE in plants. Understanding the specificity of these determinants is crucial to achieving better N utilization efficiency in crops within a given environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Olayemi Aluko
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Surya Kant
- Agriculture Victoria, Grains Innovation Park, Horsham, VIC, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Chuanzong Li
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yuan
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haobao Liu
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
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13
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Gao Y, Qi S, Wang Y. Nitrate signaling and use efficiency in crops. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:100353. [PMID: 35754172 PMCID: PMC9483113 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2022.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) is not only an essential nutrient but also an important signaling molecule for plant growth. Low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops is causing increasingly serious environmental and ecological problems. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of NO3- regulation in crops is crucial for NUE improvement in agriculture. During the last several years, significant progress has been made in understanding the regulation of NO3- signaling in crops, and some key NO3- signaling factors have been shown to play important roles in NO3- utilization. However, no detailed reviews have yet summarized these advances. Here, we focus mainly on recent advances in crop NO3- signaling, including short-term signaling, long-term signaling, and the impact of environmental factors. We also review the regulation of crop NUE by crucial genes involved in NO3- signaling. This review provides useful information for further research on NO3- signaling in crops and a theoretical basis for breeding new crop varieties with high NUE, which has great significance for sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Shengdong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China.
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14
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Li Q, Ren Y, Fu H, Li Z, Kong F, Yuan J. Cultivar differences in carbon and nitrogen accumulation, balance, and grain yield in maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:992041. [PMID: 36161002 PMCID: PMC9502009 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.992041] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The balance of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolism influences plant growth and development as well as yield. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a hilly region in southwest China in 2019-2020 to investigate the correlation between the accumulation and balance of C and N, as well as the grain yield of maize cultivars with contrasting N efficiencies. Using Zhenghong 311 (ZH 311) and Xianyu 508 (XY 508) as research sources, the differences in C and N accumulation and balance in maize cultivars with contrasting N efficiencies were compared to analyze the correlation between the accumulation and balance of C and N with grain yield. According to the results, the ZH 311 cultivar had higher C and N accumulation in each stage and grain yield than the XY 508 cultivar, while the C/N ratio in each stage and organ was significantly lower in ZH 311 than in XY 508, with the greatest difference occurring in the silking stage and leaf, indicating that the N-efficient cultivar ZH 311 had evident advantages in accumulation and balance of C and N and grain yield than the N-inefficient cultivar XY 508. Moreover, the C and N accumulation and grain yield increased significantly with N application, while the C/N ratio in each stage and organ decreased significantly with N application, but the differences between ZH 311 and XY 508 increased first and then decreased with the increase of N level, the optimum N level when obtaining the highest grain yield of ZH 311 (273.21 kg ha-1) was significantly lower than that of XY 508 (355.88 kg ha-1). Furthermore, grain yield was positively correlated with C (R 2 = 0.9251) and N (R 2 = 0.9033) accumulation, affected by pre-anthesis N (R 2 = 0.9198) and post-anthesis C (R 2 = 0.8632) accumulation, and negatively correlated with the C/N ratio (R 2 = 0.7664), with the highest correlation between grain yield and the C/N ratio in silking stage (R 2 = 0.7984) and leaf (R 2 = 0.7616). In conclusion, the N-efficient cultivar ZH 311 could better coordinate the C and N balance of the plant, especially the C and N balance in the silking stage and leaf, promote photosynthetic product storage and transport, prolong the leaf function period, and make the pre-anthesis and post-anthesis C and N accumulation of ZH 311 significantly higher than those of XY 508, allowing higher grain yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Economic Plant Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Special Plant Industry in Chongqing, Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Economic Plant Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Special Plant Industry in Chongqing, Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Fu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Economic Plant Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Special Plant Industry in Chongqing, Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhexin Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Economic Plant Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Special Plant Industry in Chongqing, Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
| | - Jichao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
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15
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Sakuraba Y, Zhuo M, Yanagisawa S. RWP-RK domain-containing transcription factors in the Viridiplantae: biology and phylogenetic relationships. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:4323-4337. [PMID: 35605260 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac229] [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: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The RWP-RK protein family is a group of transcription factors containing the RWP-RK DNA-binding domain. This domain is an ancient motif that emerged before the establishment of the Viridiplantae-the green plants, consisting of green algae and land plants. The domain is mostly absent in other kingdoms but widely distributed in Viridiplantae. In green algae, a liverwort, and several angiosperms, RWP-RK proteins play essential roles in nitrogen responses and sexual reproduction-associated processes, which are seemingly unrelated phenomena but possibly interdependent in autotrophs. Consistent with related but diversified roles of the RWP-RK proteins in these organisms, the RWP-RK protein family appears to have expanded intensively, but independently, in the algal and land plant lineages. Thus, bryophyte RWP-RK proteins occupy a unique position in the evolutionary process of establishing the RWP-RK protein family. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the RWP-RK protein family in the Viridiplantae, and discuss the significance of bryophyte RWP-RK proteins in clarifying the relationship between diversification in the RWP-RK protein family and procurement of sophisticated mechanisms for adaptation to the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhito Sakuraba
- Plant Functional Biotechnology, 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
| | - Mengna Zhuo
- Plant Functional Biotechnology, 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
- Plant Functional Biotechnology, 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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16
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Liu Q, Wu K, Song W, Zhong N, Wu Y, Fu X. Improving Crop Nitrogen Use Efficiency Toward Sustainable Green Revolution. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 73:523-551. [PMID: 35595292 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-070121-015752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Green Revolution of the 1960s improved crop yields in part through the widespread cultivation of semidwarf plant varieties, which resist lodging but require a high-nitrogen (N) fertilizer input. Because environmentally degrading synthetic fertilizer use underlies current worldwide cereal yields, future agricultural sustainability demands enhanced N use efficiency (NUE). Here, we summarize the current understanding of how plants sense, uptake, and respond to N availability in the model plants that can be used to improve sustainable productivity in agriculture. Recent progress in unlocking the genetic basis of NUE within the broader context of plant systems biology has provided insights into the coordination of plant growth and nutrient assimilation and inspired the implementation of a new breeding strategy to cut fertilizer use in high-yield cereal crops. We conclude that identifying fresh targets for N sensing and response in crops would simultaneously enable improved grain productivity and NUE to launch a new Green Revolution and promote future food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Wenzhen Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Nan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Yunzhe Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
| | - Xiangdong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China;
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Zhang ZS, Xia JQ, Alfatih A, Song Y, Huang YJ, Sun LQ, Wan GY, Wang SM, Wang YP, Hu BH, Zhang GH, Qin P, Li SG, Yu LH, Wu J, Xiang CB. Rice NIN-LIKE PROTEIN 3 modulates nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield under nitrate-sufficient conditions. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:1520-1536. [PMID: 35150141 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for crop growth and yield. Improving the N use efficiency (NUE) of crops is important to agriculture. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NUE regulation remain largely elusive. Here we report that the OsNLP3 (NIN-like protein 3) regulates NUE and grain yield in rice under N sufficient conditions. OsNLP3 transcript level is significantly induced by N starvation and its protein nucleocytosolic shuttling is specifically regulated by nitrate. Loss-of-function of OsNLP3 reduces plant growth, grain yield, and NUE under sufficient nitrate conditions, whereas under low nitrate or different ammonium conditions, osnlp3 mutants show no clear difference from the wild type. Importantly, under sufficient N conditions in the field, OsNLP3 overexpression lines display improved grain yield and NUE compared with the wild type. OsNLP3 orchestrates the expression of multiple N uptake and assimilation genes by directly binding to the nitrate-responsive cis-elements in their promoters. Overall, our study demonstrates that OsNLP3, together with OsNLP1 and OsNLP4, plays overlapping and differential roles in N acquisition and NUE, and modulates NUE and the grain yield increase promoted by N fertilizer. Therefore, OsNLP3 is a promising candidate gene for the genetic improvement of grain yield and NUE in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Sheng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Jin-Qiu Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Alamin Alfatih
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Song
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Jie Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Liang-Qi Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Guang-Yu Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Shi-Mei Wang
- Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Ping Wang
- Rice Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin-Hua Hu
- Rice Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guo-Hua Zhang
- Rice Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Qin
- Rice Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Gui Li
- Rice Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin-Hui Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Institute of Future Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shanxi, China
| | - Jie Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng-Bin Xiang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
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18
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Xu P, Ma W, Hu J, Cai W. The nitrate-inducible NAC transcription factor NAC056 controls nitrate assimilation and promotes lateral root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010090. [PMID: 35263337 PMCID: PMC8989337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrate can affect many aspects of plant growth and development, such as promoting root growth and inhibiting the synthesis of secondary metabolites. However, the mechanisms underlying such effects and how plants can integrate nitrate signals and root growth needs further exploration. Here, we identified a nitrate-inducible NAC family transcription factor (TF) NAC056 which promoted both nitrate assimilation and root growth in Arabidopsis. NAC056 is a nuclear-localized transcription activator, which is predominantly expressed in the root system and hypocotyl. Using the yeast one-hybrid assay, we identified the NAC056-specific binding sequence (NAC56BM), T [T/G/A] NCTTG. We further showed that the nac056 mutant compromised root growth. NAC056 overexpression promotes LR Initiation and nitrate deficiency tolerance. Using RNA sequencing analysis and in vitro biochemical experiment, we found NAC056 regulated the expression of genes required for NO3- assimilation, directly targeting the key nitrate assimilation gene NIA1. In addition, mutation of NIA1 suppresses LR development and nitrate deficiency tolerance in the 35S::NAC056 transgenic plants. Therefore, NAC056 mediates the response of plants to environmental nitrate signals to promote root growth in Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Xu
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinbo Hu
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS 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
| | - Weiming Cai
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Environment, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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19
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Feng Y, Zhao Y, Li Y, Zhou J, Li Y, Shi H. Physiological and transcriptome analysis reveals the differences in nitrate content between lamina and midrib of flue-cured tobacco. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2932. [PMID: 35190651 PMCID: PMC8861034 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrate is an important precursor of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) and a remarkable difference in nitrate accumulation between lamina and midrib of flue-cured tobacco has long been observed. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning this difference remain poorly understood. In this study, physiological and genetic factors impacting nitrate accumulation were identified in pot experiments using flue-cured tobacco K326 with contrasting nitrate content between lamina and midrib. The results showed that three times higher NO3-N content was observed in midrib than that in the lamina, along with lower pigment, NH4-N content, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), sucrose synthetase activity (SSA), and glutamine synthetase activity (GSA) in midrib. Transcriptome analysis revealed that expression of genes involved in porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis-antenna proteins, photosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, starch and sucrose metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and biosynthesis of amino acids were significantly lower in midrib than in lamina. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression level of nitrate transporter genes LOC107782967, LOC107806749, LOC107775674, LOC107829632, LOC107799198, LOC107768465 decreased by 2.74, 1.81, 49.5, 3.5, 2.64 and 2.96-folds while LOC107789301 increased by 8.23-folds in midrib but not in lamina. Reduced chlorophyll content might result in low carbohydrate formation which is the source of energy and carbon skeleton supply, then the low capacity of nitrogen reduction, assimilation and transportation, and the poor ability of nitrate reallocation but the high capacity of accumulation might lead to nitrate accumulation in midrib. The results laid the foundation for reducing nitrate content and TSNA formation in tobacco midribs and their products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Feng
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Center, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research Center of China Tobacco, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Center, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research Center of China Tobacco, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yafei Li
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Center, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research Center of China Tobacco, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Beijing Cigarette Factory, Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100024, China
| | - Yujing Li
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Center, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research Center of China Tobacco, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Hongzhi Shi
- National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Center, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research Center of China Tobacco, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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20
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Gao Y, Quan S, Lyu B, Tian T, Liu Z, Nie Z, Qi S, Jia J, Shu J, Groot E, Wu J, Wang Y. Barley transcription factor HvNLP2 mediates nitrate signaling and affects nitrogen use efficiency. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:770-783. [PMID: 34050753 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab245] [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: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved complex mechanisms to adapt to the changing nitrogen levels in the environment. In Arabidopsis, more than a dozen nitrate signaling regulatory genes have been characterized, including the NODULE INCEPTION-LIKE PROTEIN (AtNLP) genes, which play essential roles in nitrate signaling. However, whether NLP genes in the Triticeae crops are involved in nitrate regulation and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains unknown. Here, we isolated a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mutant, hvnlp2-1, from a TILLING (Targeting Local Lesions IN Genomes) population and constructed two RNAi lines, hvnlp2-2 and hvnlp2-3, to study the function of HvNLP2. The expression of the nitrate-responsive genes was substantially inhibited after nitrate treatment in the hvnlp2 mutants, indicating that HvNLP2 controls nitrate signaling. Nitrate content was significantly higher in the hvnlp2 mutants, which may result from the decreased assimilation of nitrogen caused by reduced nitrate reductase activity and expression of nitrate assimilatory genes. HvNLP2 is localized to the nucleus in the presence of nitrate. Further investigation showed that HvNLP2 binds to and activates the nitrate-responsive cis-elements. Moreover, hvnlp2 exhibited reduced biomass, seed yield, and NUE. Therefore, HvNLP2 controls nitrate signaling and plays an important role in NUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Shuxuan Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Tian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiguang Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Zhentian Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Shengdong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Jingbo Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Shu
- College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Shandong Agriculture and Engineering University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Edwin Groot
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Jiajie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
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21
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Nitrogen assimilation in plants: current status and future prospects. J Genet Genomics 2021; 49:394-404. [PMID: 34973427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is the driving force for crop yields, however, excessive N application in agriculture not only increases production cost, but also causes severe environmental problems. Therefore, comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanisms of N use efficiency (NUE) and breeding crops with higher NUE is essential to tackle these problems. NUE of crops is determined by N uptake, transport, assimilation, and remobilization. In the process of N assimilation, nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamine-2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT, also known as glutamate synthase) are the major enzymes. NR and NiR mediate the initiation of inorganic N utilization, and GS/GOGAT cycle converts inorganic N to organic N, playing a vital role in N assimilation and the final NUE of crops. Besides, asparagine synthetase (ASN), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPSase) are also involved. In this review, we summarize the function and regulation of these enzymes reported in three major crops, rice, maize, wheat, also in the model plant Arabidopsis, and we highlight their application in improving NUE of crops via manipulating N assimilation. Anticipated challenges and prospects toward fully understanding the function of N assimilation and further exploring the potential for NUE improvement are discussed.
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22
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Wani SH, Vijayan R, Choudhary M, Kumar A, Zaid A, Singh V, Kumar P, Yasin JK. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE): elucidated mechanisms, mapped genes and gene networks in maize ( Zea mays L.). PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2875-2891. [PMID: 35035142 PMCID: PMC8720126 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-021-01113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Nitrogen, the vital primary plant growth nutrient at deficit soil conditions, drastically affects the growth and yield of a crop. Over the years, excess use of inorganic nitrogenous fertilizers resulted in pollution, eutrophication and thereby demanding the reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers. Being a C4 plant with fibrous root system and high NUE, maize can be deployed to be the best candidate for better N uptake and utilization in nitrogen deficient soils. The maize germplasm sources has enormous genetic variation for better nitrogen uptake contributing traits. Adoption of single cross maize hybrids as well as inherent property of high NUE has helped maize cultivars to achieve the highest growth rate among the cereals during last decade. Further, considering the high cost of nitrogenous fertilizers, adverse effects on soil health and environmental impact, maize improvement demands better utilization of existing genetic variation for NUE via introgression of novel allelic combinations in existing cultivars. Marker assisted breeding efforts need to be supplemented with introgression of genes/QTLs related to NUE in ruling varieties and thereby enhancing the overall productivity of maize in a sustainable manner. To achieve this, we need mapped genes and network of interacting genes and proteins to be elucidated. Identified genes may be used in screening ideal maize genotypes in terms of better physiological functionality exhibiting high NUE. Future genome editing may help in developing lines with increased productivity under low N conditions in an environment of optimum agronomic practices. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01113-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabir H. Wani
- Genetics and Plant Breeding, Mountain Research Centre For Field Crops, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Khudwani Anantnag, J&K 192101 India
| | - Roshni Vijayan
- Regional Agricultural Research Station-Central Zone, Kerala Agricultural University, MelePattambi, Palakkad, Kerala 679306 India
| | | | - Anuj Kumar
- Centre for Agricultural Bioinformatics (CABin), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012 India
| | - Abbu Zaid
- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Section, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002 India
| | - Vishal Singh
- Department of Plants, Soils and Climate, Utah State University, 4820 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 USA
| | - Pardeep Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, 141001 India
| | - Jeshima Khan Yasin
- Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau Plant Genetic Resources, PUSA Campus, New Delhi, 110012 India
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23
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Wang M, Hasegawa T, Beier M, Hayashi M, Ohmori Y, Yano K, Teramoto S, Kamiya T, Fujiwara T. Growth and Nitrate Reductase Activity Are Impaired in Rice Osnlp4 Mutants Supplied with Nitrate. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 62:1156-1167. [PMID: 33693871 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is an important nutrient and signaling molecule in plants, which modulates the expression of many genes and regulates plant growth. In paddy-grown rice (Oryza sativa), nitrogen is mostly supplied in the form of ammonium but can also be supplied in the form of nitrate. Several nitrogen transporters and nitrate assimilation enzymes have been identified and functionally characterized in rice. However, little is known regarding the nitrate sensing system in rice, and the regulatory mechanisms of nitrate-related genes remain to be elucidated. In recent years, NIN-like proteins (NLPs) have been described as key transcription factors of nitrogen responses in Arabidopsis thaliana, which implies that OsNLP4 is involved in the regulation of nitrate assimilation and nitrogen use efficiency in rice. Here, we show that OsNLP4 can influence plant growth by affecting nitrate reductase (NR) activity. The growth of OsNLP4 knockdown mutants was reduced when nitrate was supplied, but not when ammonium was supplied. The nitrate concentration was significantly reduced in osnlp4 mutants. Furthermore, the concentrations of iron and molybdenum, essential elements for NR activity, were reduced in OsNLP4 knockdown mutants. We propose that, in addition to the regulation of gene expression within the nitrate signaling pathway, OsNLP4 can affect the NR activity and nitrate-dependent growth of rice. Our results support a working model for the role of OsNLP4 in the nitrate signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Wang
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Takahiro Hasegawa
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Marcel Beier
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Makoto Hayashi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Kanagawa, 2300045 Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ohmori
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Kenji Yano
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Shota Teramoto
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Takehiro Kamiya
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
| | - Toru Fujiwara
- The Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 1138657 Japan
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24
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Nitrogen Assimilation Related Genes in Brassicanapus: Systematic Characterization and Expression Analysis Identified Hub Genes in Multiple Nutrient Stress Responses. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10102160. [PMID: 34685969 PMCID: PMC8539475 DOI: 10.3390/plants10102160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plants. However, little is known about the molecular regulation of N assimilation in Brassica napus, one of the most important oil crops worldwide. Here, we carried out a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the N assimilation related genes (NAGs) in B. napus. A total of 67 NAGs were identified encoding major enzymes involved in N assimilation, including asparagine synthetase (AS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT), glutamine synthetase (GS), nitrite reductase (NiR), nitrate reductase (NR). The syntenic analysis revealed that segmental duplication and whole-genome duplication were the main expansion pattern during gene evolution. Each NAG family showed different degrees of differentiation in characterization, gene structure, conserved motifs and cis-elements. Furthermore, diverse responses of NAG to multiple nutrient stresses were observed. Among them, more NAGs were regulated by N deficiency and ammonium toxicity than by phosphorus and potassium deprivations. Moreover, 12 hub genes responding to N starvation were identified, which may play vital roles in N utilization. Taken together, our results provide a basis for further functional research of NAGs in rapeseed N assimilation and also put forward new points in their responses to contrasting nutrient stresses.
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25
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Ma P, Gao S, Zhang HY, Li BY, Zhong HX, Wang YK, Hu HM, Zhang HK, Luo BW, Zhang X, Liu D, Wu L, Gao DJ, Gao SQ, Zhang SZ, Gao SB. Identification and characterization of circRNAs in maize seedlings under deficient nitrogen. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2021; 23:850-860. [PMID: 33932084 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, deep sequencing results of the maize transcriptome in leaves and roots were compared under high-nitrogen (HN) and low-nitrogen (LN) conditions to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed non-coding RNA with widely regulatory potency that has been identified in animals and plants. However, the understanding of circRNAs involved in responsive nitrogen deficiency remains to be elucidated. A total of 24 and 22 DECs were obtained from the leaves and roots, respectively. Ten circRNAs were validated by divergent and convergent primers, and 6 DECs showed the same expression tendency validated by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR. Integrating the identified differentially expressed miRNAs, 34 circRNAs could act as miRNA decoys, which might play important roles in multiple biological processes, including organonitrogen compound biosynthesis and regulation of the metabolic process. A total of 51 circRNA-parent genes located in the genome-wide association study identified loci were assessed between HN and LN conditions and were associated with root growth and development. In summary, our results provide valuable information regarding further study of maize circRNAs under nitrogen deficiency and provide new insights into screening of candidate genes as well as the improvement of maize regarding nitrogen deficiency resistance. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression networks were constructed to explore the circRNAs that participated in biological development and nitrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ma
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - S Gao
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - H Y Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - B Y Li
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - H X Zhong
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Y K Wang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - H M Hu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - H K Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - B W Luo
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - X Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - D Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - L Wu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - D J Gao
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - S Q Gao
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - S Z Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - S B Gao
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Chengdu, China
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26
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Liu M, Zhi X, Wang Y, Wang Y. Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of NIN-like Protein (NLP) genes reveals its potential roles in the response to nitrate signaling in tomato. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:347. [PMID: 34301191 PMCID: PMC8299697 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important horticultural crops, with a marked preference for nitrate as an inorganic nitrogen source. The molecular mechanisms of nitrate uptake and assimilation are poorly understood in tomato. NIN-like proteins (NLPs) are conserved, plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in nitrate signaling. RESULTS In this study, genome-wide analysis identified six NLP members in tomato genome. These members were clustered into three clades in a phylogenetic tree. Comparative genomic analysis showed that SlNLP genes exhibited collinear relationships to NLPs in Arabidopsis, canola, maize and rice, and that the expansion of the SlNLP family mainly resulted from segmental duplications in the tomato genome. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that one of the close homologs of AtNLP6/7, SlNLP3, was strongly expressed in roots during both the seedling and flowering stages, that SlNLP4 and SlNLP6 exhibited preferential expression in stems and leaves and that SlNLP6 was expressed at high levels in fruits. Furthermore, the nitrate uptake in tomato roots and the expression patterns of SlNLP genes were measured under nitrogen deficiency and nitrate resupply conditions. Four SlNLPs, SlNLP1, SlNLP2, SlNLP4 and SlNLP6, were upregulated after nitrogen starvation. And SlNLP1 and SlNLP5 were induced rapidly and temporally by nitrate. CONCLUSIONS These results provide significant insights into the potential diverse functions of SlNLPs to regulate nitrate uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaona Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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27
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Wei YM, Ren ZJ, Wang BH, Zhang L, Zhao YJ, Wu JW, Li LG, Zhang XS, Zhao XY. A nitrate transporter encoded by ZmNPF7.9 is essential for maize seed development. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 308:110901. [PMID: 34034862 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.110901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plants and regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. Nitrate is one of the major forms of nitrogen in plants. However, the role of nitrate uptake and allocation in seed development is not fully understood. Here, we identified the maize (Zea mays) small-kernel mutant zmnpf7.9 and characterized the candidate gene, ZmNPF7.9, which was the same gene as nitrate transport 1.5 (NRT1.5) in maize. This gene is specifically expressed in the basal endosperm transfer layer cells of maize endosperm. Dysfunction of ZmNPF7.9 resulted in delayed endosperm development, abnormal starch deposition and decreased hundred-grain weight. Functional analysis of cRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes showed that ZmNPF7.9 is a low-affinity, pH-dependent bidirectional nitrate transporter. Moreover, the amount of nitrate in mature seeds of the zmnpf7.9 mutant was reduced. These suggest that ZmNPF7.9 is involved in delivering nitrate from maternal tissues to the developing endosperm. Moreover, most of the key genes associated with glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, carbon fixation, carbon metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids pathways in the zmnpf7.9 mutant were significantly down-regulated. Thus, our results demonstrate that ZmNPF7.9 plays a specific role in seed development and grain weight by regulating nutrition transport and metabolism, which might provide useful information for maize genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ming Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Zhi Jie Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Bo Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Ya Jie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Jia Wen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Le Gong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xian Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China; College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Xiang Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China; College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Lin Z, Guo C, Lou S, Jin S, Zeng W, Guo Y, Fang J, Xu Z, Zuo Z, Ma L. Functional analyses unveil the involvement of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) group I and II NIN-LIKE PROTEINS in nitrate signaling regulation. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 306:110862. [PMID: 33775367 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.110862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For rapid growth, moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) requires large amounts of nutrients. Nitrate is an indispensable molecular signal to regulate nitrogen absorption and assimilation, which are regulated by group III NIN-LIKE PROTEINs (NLPs). However, no Phyllostachys edulis NLP (PeNLP) has been characterized. Here, eight PeNLPs were identified, which showed dynamic expression patterns in bamboo tissues. Nitrate did not affect PeNLP mRNA levels, and PeNLP1, -2, -5, -6, -7, and -8 successfully restored nitrate signaling in Arabidopsis atnlp7-1 protoplasts through recovering AtNiR and AtNRT2.1 expression. Four group I and II PeNLPs (PeNLP1, -2, -5, and -8) interacted with the nitrate-responsive cis-element of PeNiR. Moreover, nitrate triggered the nuclear retention of PeNLP8. PeNLP8 overexpression in Arabidopsis significantly increased the primary root length, lateral root number, leaf area, and dry and wet weight of the transgenic plants, and PeNLP8 expression rescued the root architectural defect phenotype of atnlp7-1 mutants. Interestingly, PeNLP8 overexpression dramatically reduced nitrate content but elevated total amino acid content in Arabidopsis. Overall, the present study unveiled the potential involvement of group I and II NLPs in nitrate signaling regulation and provided genetic resources for engineering plants with high nitrogen use efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhong Lin
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Cuiting Guo
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shuaitong Lou
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Songsong Jin
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Weike Zeng
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jun Fang
- Crop Breeding and Cultivating Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Shanghai, 201403, China
| | - Zhenguo Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Superior Timber Trees Resource Cultivation, Guangxi Forestry Research Institute, Nanning, 530002, China
| | - Zecheng Zuo
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement, College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Liuyin Ma
- Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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Xu K, Shen D, Yang N, Chou S, Gomelsky M, Qian G. Coordinated control of the type IV pili and c-di-GMP-dependent antifungal antibiotic production in Lysobacter by the response regulator PilR. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2021; 22:602-617. [PMID: 33709522 PMCID: PMC8035640 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In the soil gammaproteobacterium Lysobacter enzymogenes, a natural fungal predator, the response regulator PilR controls type IV pili (T4P)-mediated twitching motility as well as synthesis of the heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF). Earlier we showed that PilR acts via the second messenger, c-di-GMP; however, the mechanism remained unknown. Here, we describe how PilR, c-di-GMP signalling, and HSAF synthesis are connected. We screened genes for putative diguanylate cyclases (c-di-GMP synthases) and found that PilR binds to the promoter region of lchD and down-regulates its transcription. The DNA-binding affinity of PilR, and therefore its repressor function, are enhanced by phosphorylation by its cognate histidine kinase, PilS. The lchD gene product is a diguanylate cyclase, and the decrease in LchD levels shifts the ratio of c-di-GMP-bound and c-di-GMP-free transcription factor Clp, a key activator of the HSAF biosynthesis operon expression. Furthermore, Clp directly interacts with LchD and enhances its diguanylate cyclase activity. Therefore, the PilS-PilR two-component system activates T4P-motility while simultaneously decreasing c-di-GMP levels and promoting HSAF production via the highly specific LchD-c-di-GMP-Clp pathway. Coordinated increase in motility and secretion of the "long-distance" antifungal weapon HSAF is expected to ensure safer grazing of L. enzymogenes on soil or plant surfaces, unimpeded by fungal competitors, or to facilitate bacterial preying on killed fungal cells. This study uncovered the mechanism of coregulated pili-based motility and production of an antifungal antibiotic in L. enzymogenes, showcased the expanded range of functions of the PilS-PilR system, and highlighted exquisite specificity in c-di-GMP-mediated circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangwen Xu
- College of Plant Protection (Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests)Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingP.R. China
| | - Danyu Shen
- College of Plant Protection (Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests)Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingP.R. China
| | - Nianda Yang
- College of Plant Protection (Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests)Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingP.R. China
| | - Shan‐Ho Chou
- Institute of Biochemistry and NCHU Agricultural Biotechnology CenterNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan, ROC
| | - Mark Gomelsky
- Department of Molecular BiologyUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | - Guoliang Qian
- College of Plant Protection (Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests)Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingP.R. China
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Liu C, Wu Q, Sun L, You X, Ye X, Wan Y, Wu X, Jiang L, Zhao G, Xiang D, Zou L. Nitrate dose-responsive transcriptome analysis identifies transcription factors and small secreted peptides involved in nitrogen response in Tartary buckwheat. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 162:1-13. [PMID: 33652200 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is an economically important pseudocereal crop, which can adapt well to extreme environments, including low nitrogen (LN) stress. However, little is known regarding the associated molecular mechanisms. In this study, the molecular mechanism of Tartary buckwheat roots in response to different doses of nitrate was investigated by combining physiological changes with transcriptional regulatory network. LN improved elongation and branching of lateral roots, indicating that the plasticity of lateral roots drives the adaption of Tartary buckwheat under LN condition. The roots of the seedlings that were cultivated under four N conditions were selected for RNA-Seq analysis. In total 1686 nitrate dose-responsive genes were identified. Of these genes, 16 genes encoding N transporters showed response to N availability, and they may play important roles in N transport and root system architecture in Tartary buckwheat roots. 108 transcription factors (TFs) showed dose-response to N availability, and they may regulate N response and root growth under varied N conditions by modulating the expression of N transporters. A NIN-like protein, FtNLP7, was identified and it may contribute to the transcriptional regulation of N transporters. Furthermore, 81 N-responsive genes were identified as the small secreted peptides (SSPs). 48 N-responsive SSPs were annotated as hypothetical proteins and they may be the species-specific proteins of Tartary buckwheat. This paper provides useful information for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of Tartary buckwheat under N-deficient condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Lu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Xueling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Yan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Xiaoyong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Liangzhen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China
| | - Dabing Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China.
| | - Liang Zou
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, PR China.
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Wu J, Zhang Z, Xia J, Alfatih A, Song Y, Huang Y, Wan G, Sun L, Tang H, Liu Y, Wang S, Zhu Q, Qin P, Wang Y, Li S, Mao C, Zhang G, Chu C, Yu L, Xiang C. Rice NIN-LIKE PROTEIN 4 plays a pivotal role in nitrogen use efficiency. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:448-461. [PMID: 32876985 PMCID: PMC7955889 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is one of the key essential macronutrients that affects rice growth and yield. Inorganic N fertilizers are excessively used to boost yield and generate serious collateral environmental pollution. Therefore, improving crop N use efficiency (NUE) is highly desirable and has been a major endeavour in crop improvement. However, only a few regulators have been identified that can be used to improve NUE in rice to date. Here we show that the rice NIN-like protein 4 (OsNLP4) significantly improves the rice NUE and yield. Field trials consistently showed that loss-of-OsNLP4 dramatically reduced yield and NUE compared with wild type under different N regimes. In contrast, the OsNLP4 overexpression lines remarkably increased yield by 30% and NUE by 47% under moderate N level compared with wild type. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that OsNLP4 orchestrates the expression of a majority of known N uptake, assimilation and signalling genes by directly binding to the nitrate-responsive cis-element in their promoters to regulate their expression. Moreover, overexpression of OsNLP4 can recover the phenotype of Arabidopsis nlp7 mutant and enhance its biomass. Our results demonstrate that OsNLP4 plays a pivotal role in rice NUE and sheds light on crop NUE improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Zi‐Sheng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Jin‐Qiu Xia
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Alamin Alfatih
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Ying Song
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Yi‐Jie Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Guang‐Yu Wan
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Liang‐Qi Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Hui Tang
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Shi‐Mei Wang
- Rice Research InstituteAnhui Academy of Agricultural SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Qi‐Sheng Zhu
- Rice Research InstituteAnhui Academy of Agricultural SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Peng Qin
- Rice Research InstituteState Key Laboratory of Hybrid RiceSichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yu‐Ping Wang
- Rice Research InstituteState Key Laboratory of Hybrid RiceSichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Shi‐Gui Li
- Rice Research InstituteState Key Laboratory of Hybrid RiceSichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chuan‐Zao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and BiochemistryCollege of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Gui‐Quan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro‐bioresourcesSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chengcai Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research (Beijing)Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lin‐Hui Yu
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
- Present address:
Biology DepartmentBrookhaven National LaboratoryUpton, New YorkNYUSA
| | - Cheng‐Bin Xiang
- School of Life Sciences and Division of Molecular & Cell BiophysicsHefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaThe Innovation Academy of Seed DesignChinese Academy of SciencesHefeiAnhui ProvinceChina
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Ji PT, Li XL, Peng YJ, Zhang YC, Tao PJ. Effect of polyaspartic acid and different dosages of controlled-release fertilizers on nitrogen uptake, utilization, and yield of maize cultivars. Bioengineered 2021; 12:527-539. [PMID: 33535880 PMCID: PMC8806278 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2020.1865608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of polyaspartic acid and different controlled-release fertilizers with urea on dry matter accumulation and distribution, nitrogen absorption and accumulation, and the activities of enzymes involved nitrogen metabolism and yield of corn were studied by using xianyu (XY688), a maize nitrogen efficient cultivar, and Jifeng NO.2 (JF2), a maize nitrogen-inefficient cultivar, as experimental materials and through random blocks experimental design in 2019. For XY688, polyaspartic acid chelated nitrogen fertilizer (PASPN) had the highest yield, which was 21.34% higher than N0 treatment. For JF2, it also had the highest yield under PASPN combined urea treatment, which was 23.44% higher than N0 (no nitrogen fertilizer), and JF2 had a 9.7% lower yield under XY688 treatment. For XY688, PASPN treatment had the largest nitrogen uptake in grain, up to 3.14 kg/hm2, and PASPN treatment increased 17.4% compared with N0. For JF2, grain nitrogen uptake was also the highest under PASPN treatment, which was significantly different from other treatments. Nitrogen uptake was 3.16 kg/hm2, which increased 37.4% compared with N0. Compared with JF2, XY688 showed higher nitrogen uptake efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and partial nitrogen productivity. For XY688, the highest nitrogen absorption efficiency was SU3 (slow-release urea and ordinary urea) treatment (0.36 kg/kg). The partial nitrogen productivity and harvest index of PASPN treatment were the highest and significantly different from other treatments. The partial nitrogen productivity of PASPN treatment was 57.02 kg/kg. These results can provide help for the further researches of the rational utilization and absorption of nitrogen fertilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Tao Ji
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University , Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Xiang-Ling Li
- Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology , Changli, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Juan Peng
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University , Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yue-Chen Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University , Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Pei-Jun Tao
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University , Baoding, Hebei, China
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