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Yan Z, Hou J, Leng B, Yao G, Ma C, Sun Y, Zhang F, Mu C, Liu X. Genome-Wide Investigation of the CRF Gene Family in Maize and Functional Analysis of ZmCRF9 in Response to Multiple Abiotic Stresses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7650. [PMID: 39062894 PMCID: PMC11276700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytokinin response factors (CRFs) are pivotal players in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to diverse stresses. Despite their significance, comprehensive information on CRF genes in the primary food crop, maize, remains scarce. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of CRF genes in maize was conducted, resulting in the identification of 12 members. Subsequently, we assessed the chromosomal locations, gene duplication events, evolutionary relationships, conserved motifs, and gene structures of all ZmCRF members. Analysis of ZmCRF promoter regions indicated the presence of cis-regulatory elements associated with plant growth regulation, hormone response, and various abiotic stress responses. The expression patterns of maize CRF genes, presented in heatmaps, exhibited distinctive patterns of tissue specificity and responsiveness to multiple abiotic stresses. qRT-PCR experiments were conducted on six selected genes and confirmed the involvement of ZmCRF genes in the plant's adaptive responses to diverse environmental challenges. In addition, ZmCRF9 was demonstrated to positively regulate cold and salt tolerance. Ultimately, we explored the putative interaction partners of ZmCRF proteins. In summary, this systematic overview and deep investigation of ZmCRF9 provides a solid foundation for further exploration into how these genes contribute to the complex interplay of plant growth, development, and responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Yan
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (Z.Y.); (B.L.); (G.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Jing Hou
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264001, China;
| | - Bingying Leng
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (Z.Y.); (B.L.); (G.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Guoqi Yao
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (Z.Y.); (B.L.); (G.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Changle Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250300, China;
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China;
| | - Fajun Zhang
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (Z.Y.); (B.L.); (G.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Chunhua Mu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (Z.Y.); (B.L.); (G.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Xia Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (Z.Y.); (B.L.); (G.Y.); (C.M.)
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Gentile D, Serino G, Frugis G. CRF transcription factors in the trade-off between abiotic stress response and plant developmental processes. Front Genet 2024; 15:1377204. [PMID: 38694876 PMCID: PMC11062136 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1377204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change-induced environmental stress significantly affects crop yield and quality. In response to environmental stressors, plants use defence mechanisms and growth suppression, creating a resource trade-off between the stress response and development. Although stress-responsive genes have been widely engineered to enhance crop stress tolerance, there is still limited understanding of the interplay between stress signalling and plant growth, a research topic that can provide promising targets for crop genetic improvement. This review focuses on Cytokinin Response Factors (CRFs) transcription factor's role in the balance between abiotic stress adaptation and sustained growth. CRFs, known for their involvement in cytokinin signalling and abiotic stress responses, emerge as potential targets for delaying senescence and mitigating yield penalties under abiotic stress conditions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulated by CRFs paves the way for decoupling stress responses from growth inhibition, thus allowing the development of crops that can adapt to abiotic stress without compromising development. This review highlights the importance of unravelling CRF-mediated pathways to address the growing need for resilient crops in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gentile
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Serino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Frugis
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
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Chen M, Dai Y, Liao J, Wu H, Lv Q, Huang Y, Liu L, Feng Y, Lv H, Zhou B, Peng D. TARGET OF MONOPTEROS: key transcription factors orchestrating plant development and environmental response. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:2214-2234. [PMID: 38195092 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae005] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Plants have an incredible ability to sustain root and vascular growth after initiation of the embryonic root and the specification of vascular tissue in early embryos. Microarray assays have revealed that a group of transcription factors, TARGET OF MONOPTEROS (TMO), are important for embryonic root initiation in Arabidopsis. Despite the discovery of their auxin responsiveness early on, their function and mode of action remained unknown for many years. The advent of genome editing has accelerated the study of TMO transcription factors, revealing novel functions for biological processes such as vascular development, root system architecture, and response to environmental cues. This review covers recent achievements in understanding the developmental function and the genetic mode of action of TMO transcription factors in Arabidopsis and other plant species. We highlight the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of TMO transcription factors in relation to their function, mainly in Arabidopsis. Finally, we provide suggestions for further research and potential applications in plant genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yani Dai
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiamin Liao
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Lv
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lichang Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongxuan Lv
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Huitong National Field Station for Scientific Observation and Research of Chinese Fir Plantation Ecosystem in Hunan Province, 438107, Huaihua, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Laboratory of Applied Technology for Forestry and Ecology in Southern China, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Forestry Biotechnology Hunan Key Laboratories, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cultivation and Protection for Non-Wood Forest Trees, Ministry of Education, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Huitong National Field Station for Scientific Observation and Research of Chinese Fir Plantation Ecosystem in Hunan Province, 438107, Huaihua, Hunan, China
- Forestry Biotechnology Hunan Key Laboratories, Hunan, China
- Yuelushan Laboratory Carbon Sinks Forests Variety Innovation Center, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Li Y, Wang X, Zhang H, Ye X, Shi L, Xu F, Ding G. Phosphate Transporter BnaPT37 Regulates Phosphate Homeostasis in Brassica napus by Changing Its Translocation and Distribution In Vivo. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3362. [PMID: 37836101 PMCID: PMC10574216 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is actively taken up by Pi transporters (PTs) from the soil and transported into the plant. Here, we functionally characterized the Brassica napus gene BnaPT37, which belongs to the PHT1 family. BnaPT37 is a plasma membrane-localized protein containing 534 amino acids. Expression of BnaPT37 increased significantly under Pi deficiency in various tissues, especially in fully expanded leaves. Expression of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene driven by the BnaPT37 promoter showed that BnaPT37 is expressed in the root, stem, calyx, and leaf under Pi deficiency. BnaPT37 can complement a yeast mutant strain defective in five Pi transporters and can restore the growth of the Arabidopsis atpt1/2 double mutant under Pi deprivation. Overexpression of BnaPT37 in rapeseed significantly increased Pi translocation from root to shoot. Moreover, the movement of Pi from fully expanded leaves to new leaves and roots was enhanced in the transgenic lines compared to the wild type. However, the overexpression of BnaPT37 inhibited the flowering time, plant height, and Pi accumulation in seeds. In conclusion, BnaPT37 functions as a plasma membrane-localized Pi transporter and might be involved in Pi translocation from root to shoot and Pi distribution from source to sink in B. napus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiangsheng Ye
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fangsen Xu
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guangda Ding
- College of Resources and Environment, Microelement Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Swinka C, Hellmann E, Zwack P, Banda R, Rashotte AM, Heyl A. Cytokinin Response Factor 9 Represses Cytokinin Responses in Flower Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4380. [PMID: 36901811 PMCID: PMC10002603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A multi-step phosphorelay system is the main conduit of cytokinin signal transduction. However, several groups of additional factors that also play a role in this signaling pathway have been found-among them the Cytokinin Response Factors (CRFs). In a genetic screen, CRF9 was identified as a regulator of the transcriptional cytokinin response. It is mainly expressed in flowers. Mutational analysis indicates that CRF9 plays a role in the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth and silique development. The CRF9 protein is localized in the nucleus and functions as a transcriptional repressor of Arabidopsis Response Regulator 6 (ARR6)-a primary response gene for cytokinin signaling. The experimental data suggest that CRF9 functions as a repressor of cytokinin during reproductive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Swinka
- Institut für Angewandte Genetik, Freie Universität Berlin, Albrecht Thaer Weg 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Hellmann
- Institut für Angewandte Genetik, Freie Universität Berlin, Albrecht Thaer Weg 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Zwack
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ramya Banda
- Department of Biology, Adelphi University, 1 South Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
| | - Aaron M. Rashotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Rouse Life Sciences, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Alexander Heyl
- Department of Biology, Adelphi University, 1 South Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
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Xu Z, Wang R, Kong K, Begum N, Almakas A, Liu J, Li H, Liu B, Zhao T, Zhao T. An APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor transcription factor GmCRF4a regulates plant height and auxin biosynthesis in soybean. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:983650. [PMID: 36147224 PMCID: PMC9485679 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.983650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Plant height is one of the key agronomic traits affecting soybean yield. The cytokinin response factors (CRFs), as a branch of the APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) super gene family, have been reported to play important roles in regulating plant growth and development. However, their functions in soybean remain unknown. This study characterized a soybean CRF gene named GmCRF4a by comparing the performance of the homozygous Gmcrf4a-1 mutant, GmCRF4a overexpression (OX) and co-silencing (CS) lines. Phenotypic analysis showed that overexpression of GmCRF4a resulted in taller hypocotyls and epicotyls, more main stem nodes, and higher plant height. While down-regulation of GmCRF4a conferred shorter hypocotyls and epicotyls, as well as a reduction in plant height. The histological analysis results demonstrated that GmCRF4a promotes epicotyl elongation primarily by increasing cell length. Furthermore, GmCRF4a is required for the expression of GmYUCs genes to elevate endogenous auxin levels, which may subsequently enhance stem elongation. Taken together, these observations describe a novel regulatory mechanism in soybean, and provide the basis for elucidating the function of GmCRF4a in auxin biosynthesis pathway and plant heigh regulation in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Xu
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruikai Wang
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keke Kong
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Naheeda Begum
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aisha Almakas
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Liu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tuanjie Zhao
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics and Breeding for Soybean, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhao
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Genome-Wide In Silico Identification and Comparative Analysis of Dof Gene Family in Brassica napus. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040709. [PMID: 33916912 PMCID: PMC8067633 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040709] [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: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
DNA binding with one finger (DOF) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play roles in diverse plant functions. However, little is known about the DOF protein repertoire of the allopolyploid crop, Brassica napus. This in silico study identified 117 Brassica napus Dof genes (BnaDofs) and classified them into nine groups (A, B1, B2, C1, C2.1, C2.2, C3, D1, and D2), based on phylogenetic analysis. Most members belonging to a particular group displayed conserved gene structural organisation and protein motif distribution. Evolutionary analysis exemplified that the divergence of the Brassica genus from Arabidopsis, the whole-genome triplication event, and the hybridisation of Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa to form B. napus, followed by gene loss and rearrangements, led to the expansion and divergence of the Dof transcription factor (TF) gene family in B. napus. So far, this is the largest number of Dof genes reported in a single eudicot species. Functional annotation of BnaDof proteins, cis-element analysis of their promoters, and transcriptomic analysis suggested potential roles in organ development, the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive stage, light responsiveness, phytohormone responsiveness, as well as potential regulatory roles in abiotic stress. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular structure, evolution, and possible functional roles of Dof genes in plant development and abiotic stress response.
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Genome-Wide Systematic Characterization of the NPF Family Genes and Their Transcriptional Responses to Multiple Nutrient Stresses in Allotetraploid Rapeseed. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21175947. [PMID: 32824914 PMCID: PMC7504168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21175947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1 (NRT1)/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER (PTR) family (NPF) proteins can transport various substrates, and play crucial roles in governing plant nitrogen (N) uptake and distribution. However, little is known about the NPF genes in Brassica napus. Here, a comprehensive genome-wide systematic characterization of the NPF family led to the identification of 193 NPF genes in the whole genome of B. napus. The BnaNPF family exhibited high levels of genetic diversity among sub-families but this was conserved within each subfamily. Whole-genome duplication and segmental duplication played a major role in BnaNPF evolution. The expression analysis indicated that a broad range of expression patterns for individual gene occurred in response to multiple nutrient stresses, including N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deficiencies, as well as ammonium toxicity. Furthermore, 10 core BnaNPF genes in response to N stress were identified. These genes contained 6–13 transmembrane domains, located in plasma membrane, that respond discrepantly to N deficiency in different tissues. Robust cis-regulatory elements were identified within the promoter regions of the core genes. Taken together, our results suggest that BnaNPFs are versatile transporters that might evolve new functions in B. napus. Our findings benefit future research on this gene family.
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