Dataset Information

Genetic Effects and Expression Patterns of the Nitrate Transporter (NRT) Gene Family in Populus tomentosa.

ABSTRACT: Nitrate is an important source of nitrogen for poplar trees. The nitrate transporter (NRT) gene family is generally responsible for nitrate absorption and distribution. However, few analyses of the genetic effects and expression patterns of NRT family members have been conducted in woody plants. Here, using poplar as a model, we identified and characterized 98 members of the PtoNRT gene family. We calculated the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the PtoNRT family and identified poplar-specific NRT genes and their expression patterns. To construct a core triple genetic network (association - gene expression - phenotype) for leaf nitrogen content, a candidate gene family association study, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and mapping of expression quantitative trait nucleotides (eQTNs) were combined, using data from 435 unrelated Populus. tomentosa individuals. PtoNRT genes exhibited distinct expression patterns between twelve tissues, circadian rhythm points, and stress responses. The association study showed that genotype combinations of allelic variations of three PtoNRT genes had a strong effect on leaf nitrogen content. WGCNA produced two co-expression modules containing PtoNRT genes. We also found that four PtoNRT genes defined thousands of eQTL signals. WGCNA and eQTL provided comprehensive analysis of poplar nitrogen-related regulatory factors, including MYB17 and WRKY21. NRT genes were found to be regulated by five plant hormones, among which abscisic acid was the main regulator. Our study provides new insights into the NRT gene family in poplar and enables the exploitation of novel genetic factors to improve the nitrate use efficiency of trees.

SUBMITTER: Zhao L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8155728 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundWUSCHEL (WUS)-related homeobox (WOX) protein family members play important roles in the maintenance and proliferation of the stem cell niche in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), root apical meristem (RAM), and cambium (CAM). Although the roles of some WOXs in meristematic cell regulation have been well studied in annual plants such as Arabidopsis and rice, the expression and function of WOX members in woody plant poplars has not been systematically investigated. Here, we present the identification and comprehensive analysis of the expression and function of WOXs in Populus tomentosa.ResultsA genome-wide survey identified 18 WOX encoding sequences in the sequenced genome of Populus trichocarpa (PtrWOXs). Phylogenetic and gene structure analysis revealed that these 18 PtrWOXs fall into modern/WUS, intermediate, and ancient clades, but that the WOX genes in P. trichocarpa may have expanded differently from the WOX genes in Arabidopsis. In the P. trichocarpa genome, no WOX members could be closely classified as AtWOX3, AtWOX6, AtWOX7, AtWOX10, and AtWOX14, but there were two copies of WOX genes that could be classified as PtrWUS, PtrWOX2, PtrWOX4, PtrWOX5, PtrWOX8/9, and PtrWOX11/12, and three copies of WOX genes that could be classified as PtrWOX1 and PtrWOX13. The use of primers specific for each PtrWOX gene allowed the identification and cloning of 18 WOX genes from P. tomentosa (PtoWOXs), a poplar species physiologically close to P. trichocarpa. It was found that PtoWOXs and PtrWOXs shared very high amino acid sequence identity, and that PtoWOXs could be classified identically to PtrWOXs. We revealed that the expression patterns of some PtoWOXs were different to their Arabidopsis counterparts. When PtoWOX5a and PtoWOX11/12a, as well as PtoWUSa and PtoWOX4a were ectopically expressed in transgenic hybrid poplars, the regeneration of adventitious root (AR) was promoted, indicating a functional similarity of these four WOXs in AR regeneration.ConclusionsThis is the first attempt towards a systematical analysis of the function of WOXs in P. tomentosa. A diversified expression, yet functional similarity of PtoWOXs in AR regeneration is revealed. Our findings provide useful information for further elucidation of the functions and mechanisms of WOXs in the development of poplars.

Dataset Information

Genetic Effects and Expression Patterns of the Nitrate Transporter (NRT) Gene Family in Populus tomentosa.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets