Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of PkNRT Gene Family in Korean Pine (<i>Pinus koraiensis</i>)
The utilization of nitrogen (N) is crucial for the optimal growth and development of plants. As the dominant form of nitrogen in temperate soil, nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>) is absorbed from the soil and redistributed to other organs through NO<sub>3</sub>...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Plants |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/2/238 |
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| Summary: | The utilization of nitrogen (N) is crucial for the optimal growth and development of plants. As the dominant form of nitrogen in temperate soil, nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>) is absorbed from the soil and redistributed to other organs through NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> transporters (NRTs). Therefore, exploration of the role of NRTs in response to various NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> conditions is crucial for improving N utilization efficiency (NUE). Here, we present a comprehensive genome-wide analysis and characterization of the NRT gene family in Korean pine, an invaluable tree species cultivated extensively in northeastern China. A total of 76 <i>PkNRTs</i> were identified in Korean pine and further divided into three subfamilies (NRT1/NPF, NRT2, and NRT3) based on phylogenetic analysis. All <i>PkNRTs</i> were distributed on 11 chromosomes, with multiple tandem duplications observed. The tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that most <i>PkNRTs</i> showed differential expression in six vegetative tissues. Furthermore, a significantly greater number of lateral roots was observed in seedlings under nitrogen-deficient conditions, accompanied by an increase in both total root biomass and root length. The temporal expression profiles of 16 <i>PkNRTs</i> in seedling roots revealed that four <i>PkNRTs</i>, <i>PkNPF5.6</i>, <i>PkNPF5.13</i>, <i>PkNPF6.1</i>, and <i>PkNPF6.2</i>, exhibited significantly upregulated expression under the NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> deficiency condition, whereas robust induction was observed for <i>PkNPF1.1</i>, <i>PkNRT2.6</i>, and <i>PkNRT3.3</i> upon the NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> sufficiency condition. The expression patterns of the <i>PkNRTs</i> suggest their potential diverse roles as key participants in root NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> uptake under varying NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> conditions during root development. These findings would provide a theoretical foundation for further investigations into the functions of <i>PkNRTs</i> in Korean pine. |
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| ISSN: | 2223-7747 |