Genome-wide identification of the NRAMP gene family in Populus trichocarpa and their function as heavy metal transporters

Xiaocen Ma; Haobo Yang; Yufen Bu; Yue Zhang; Na Sun; Xinyuan Wu; Yanping Jing

doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115110

Genome-wide identification of the NRAMP gene family in Populus trichocarpa and their function as heavy metal transporters

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2023 Aug:261:115110. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115110. Epub 2023 Jun 8.

Authors

Xiaocen Ma¹, Haobo Yang¹, Yufen Bu¹, Yue Zhang¹, Na Sun¹, Xinyuan Wu¹, Yanping Jing²

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083,China.
² State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; The Tree and Ornamental Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083,China. Electronic address: ypjing@bjfu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37300917
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115110

Abstract

The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) gene family plays a key role in essential mineral nutrient homeostasis, as well as toxic metal accumulation, translocation, and detoxification. Although the NRAMP family genes have been widely identified in various species, they still require to be analyzed comprehensively in tree species. In this study, a total of 11 NRAMP members (PtNRAMP1-11) were identified in Populus trichocarpa, a woody model plant, and further subdivided into three groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Chromosomal location analysis indicated that the PtNRAMP genes were unevenly distributed on six of the 19 Populus chromosomes. Gene expression analysis indicated that the PtNRAMP genes were differentially responsive to metal stress, including iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) deficiency, as well as Fe, Mn, zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Furthermore, the PtNRAMP gene functions were characterized using a heterologous yeast expression system. The results showed that PtNRAMP1, PtNRAMP2, PtNRAMP4, PtNRAMP9, PtNRAMP10, and PtNRAMP11 displayed the ability to transport Cd into yeast cells. In addition, PtNRAMP1, PtNRAMP6, and PtNRAMP7 complemented the Mn uptake mutant, while PtNRAMP1, PtNRAMP6, PtNRAMP7, and PtNRAMP9 complemented the Fe uptake mutant. In conclusion, our findings revealed the respective functions of PtNRAMPs during metal transport as well as their potential role in micronutrient biofortification and phytoremediation.

Keywords: Cadmium; Iron; Manganese; NRAMP; Populus trichocarpa; Zinc.

MeSH terms

Cadmium / metabolism
Cation Transport Proteins* / genetics
Cation Transport Proteins* / metabolism
Metals, Heavy* / metabolism
Metals, Heavy* / toxicity
Phylogeny
Populus* / genetics
Populus* / metabolism
Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism

Substances

natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1
Cadmium
Metals, Heavy
Cation Transport Proteins