Genome-Wide Analysis of Nitrate Transporter (NRT/NPF) Family in Sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum L.

The Science

Researchers conducted a large, comprehensive genome-wide analysis of NRT/NPF genes in S. spontaneum, which included a BLAST search, phylogenetics, gene structure, protein motif analysis, and RNA-seq data analysis.

The Impact

• Identified 178 NPF genes, 20 NRT2 genes and NRT3 genes.
• Both SsNPF and SsNRT3 genes showed diversified gene structures and expression patterns, suggesting the possibility to fine-tune the homeostasis of nitrate to cope with the changing environment.
• The NRT/NPF genes identified provide the basis for further research of nitrate transporter functions in sugarcane to help optimize nitrogen management in bioenergy crops.

Summary

Plants take up nitrate using transmembrane proteins of the Nitrate Transporter (NRT)/Peptide Transporter family (NPF). Understanding nitrogen uptake, translocation, and utilization is key to improve nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE).

References

Wang, J., Li, Y., Zhu, F. et al. “Genome-Wide Analysis of Nitrate Transporter (NRT/NPF) Family in Sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum L.” Tropical Plant Biology 12, 133–149 (2019). [DOI:10.1007/s12042-019-09220-8]