Transcriptome-based identification and expression characterization of RgABCC transporters in Rehmannia glutinosa

PLoS One. 2021 Jun 25;16(6):e0253188. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253188. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

ABCC multidrug resistance-associated proteins (ABCCs/MRPs), a subfamily of ABC transporters, are involved in multiple physiological processes. Although these proteins have been characterized in some plants, limited efforts have been made to address their possible roles in Rehmannia glutinosa, a medicinal plant. Here, we scanned R. glutinosa transcriptome sequences and identified 18 RgABCC genes by in silico analysis. Sequence alignment revealed that the RgABCCs were closely phylogenetically related and highly conserved with other plant ABCCs/MRPs. Subcellular localization revealed that most of the RgABCCs were deposited in vacuoles and a few in plasma membranes. Tissue-specific expression of the RgABCCs indicated significant specific accumulation patterns, implicating their roles in the respective tissues. Differential temporal expression patterns of the RgABCCs exhibited their potential roles during root development. Various abiotic stress and hormone treatment experiments indicated that some RgABCCs could be transcriptionally regulated in roots. Furthermore, the transcription of several RgABCCs in roots was strongly activated by cadmium (Cd), suggesting possible roles under heavy metal stresses. Functional analysis of RgABCC1 heterologous expression revealed that it may increase the tolerance to Cd in yeast, implying its Cd transport activity. Our study provides a detailed inventory and molecular characterization of the RgABCCs and valuable information for exploring their functions in R. glutinosa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant*
  • Plant Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Roots / metabolism*
  • Rehmannia / genetics
  • Rehmannia / metabolism*
  • Stress, Physiological / physiology
  • Transcriptome*
  • Vacuoles / genetics
  • Vacuoles / metabolism

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Plant Proteins

Grants and funding

This research was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81973417), the Science Foundation of Henan University of Technology (No. 2017RCJH05) and the Program for Innovative Research Team (in Science and Technology) of the University of Henan Province (No. 19IRTSTHN008).