Molecular mechanisms of boron transport in plants: involvement of Arabidopsis NIP5;1 and NIP6;1

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2010:679:83-96. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6315-4_7.

Abstract

Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of boron (B) transport has been greatly advanced in the last decade. BOR1, the first B transporter in living systems, was identified by forward genetics using Arabidopsis mutants. Genes similar to BOR1 have been reported to share different physiological roles in plants. NIPS;1, a member of aquaporins in Arabidopsis, was then identified as a boric acid channel gene responsible for the B uptake into roots. NIP6;1, the most similar gene to NIPS;1, encodes a B channel essential for B distribution to young leaves. In the present chapter, recent advancement of the understanding of molecular mechanisms of B transport and roles of NIP genes are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aquaporins / genetics*
  • Aquaporins / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics*
  • Biological Transport
  • Boron / metabolism*
  • Diffusion
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Models, Biological
  • Pectins / metabolism
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena
  • Xylem / metabolism

Substances

  • Aquaporins
  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • NIP5;1 protein, Arabidopsis
  • NIP6;1 protein, Arabidopsis
  • rhamnogalacturonan I
  • Pectins
  • Boron