Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the <i>NRAMP</i> Family Genes in Tea Plant (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>)

oleh: Jinqiu Li, Yu Duan, Zhaolan Han, Xiaowen Shang, Kexin Zhang, Zhongwei Zou, Yuanchun Ma, Fang Li, Wanping Fang, Xujun Zhu

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-05-01

Deskripsi

The natural resistant-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) is a kind of integral membrane transporter which could function on a wide range of divalent metal ions in plants. Little is known about the NRAMP family in <i>Camellia sinensis</i>. In this study, 11 <i>NRAMP</i> genes were identified from the tea plant genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 11 CsNRAMP proteins were split into two groups. The proteins of group 1 contained the conserved motif 6 (GQSSTxTG), while most proteins in group 2 (excepting CsNRAMP7 and CsNRAMP10) contained the conserved residues of motif 6 and motif 2 (GQFIMxGFLxLxxKKW). The number of amino acids in coding regions of 11 <i>CsNRAMP</i> genes ranged from 279–1373, and they contained 3–12 transmembrane domains. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that G1 genes, <i>CsNRAMP3</i>, <i>CsNRAMP4</i>, and <i>CsNRAMP5</i>, were extraordinarily expressed in roots, while G2 genes showed higher expression levels in the stems and leaves. The expression levels of <i>CsNRAMPs</i> in roots and leaves were detected to assess their responses to Pb treatment. The results indicated that <i>CsNRAMPs</i> were differentially regulated, and they might play a role in Pb transportation of tea plant. Subcellular localization assay demonstrated that CsNRAMP2 and CsNRAMP5 fused proteins were localized in the plasma membrane. Overall, this systematic analysis of the <i>CsNRAMP</i> family could provide primary information for further studies on the functional roles of <i>CsNRAMP</i><i>s</i> in divalent metal transportation in tea plants.