Find in Library

Zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) family genes play crucial roles in metal uptake and transport in plants. However, little is known about their functions in peanut. Here, genome-wide analysis identified 30 peanut <i>AhZIP</i> genes that were divided into four classes. Most <i>AhZIP</i>s experienced whole-genome or segmental duplication. AhZIP proteins harbored 3–8 transmembrane domains and a typical ZIP domain, showing considerable homology with BbZIP from <i>Bordetella bronchiseptica</i>. Clustered <i>AhZIP</i>s generally share similar gene/protein structures; however, unique features were found in <i>AhIRT1.2</i>, <i>AhZIP1.2</i>, <i>AhZIP3.5</i> and <i>AhZIP7.8</i>. RNA-seq data revealed that <i>AhZIP2.1</i>/<i>2.2</i>, <i>AhZIP4.1</i>/<i>4.2</i> and <i>AhZIP11.1</i>/<i>11.2</i> were highly and preferentially expressed in roots, nodule and reproductive tissues. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that transcriptional responses of <i>AhZIP</i>s to Fe/Zn deficiency are cultivar dependent. The expressions of <i>AhIRT1.1</i>, <i>AhIRT1.2</i> and <i>AhZIP6.1</i> were closely related to Fe uptake and translocation. <i>AhIRT1.1</i> and <i>AhZIP7.2</i> expression were significantly correlated with Zn accumulation. The expression of <i>AhIRT1.1</i>, <i>AhIRT1.2</i>, <i>AhZIP3.6</i>, <i>AhZIP6.1</i> and <i>AhZIP11.1</i> was associated with Mn uptake and translocation. The results confirmed that <i>AhZIP</i> genes play crucial roles in the uptake and transport of Fe, Zn and Mn in peanut, providing clues to further functionally characterize <i>AhZIP</i> genes in the future.