Effect of Aluminum on Phosphate Absorption in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana tabacum L.

Abstract

Soil acidification has become an increasingly serious problem. In this study, the mechanism involved in aluminum toxicity and reduction of phosphorus absorption under acidic conditions was investigated using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. The high-affinity phosphate transporter PHO84 was sensitive to aluminum under low-phosphorus conditions, and the addition of phosphate alleviated this sensitivity. The reduction of phosphate absorption induced by aluminum is dependent on PHO84. Moreover, the effect of aluminum on PHO84 is regulated by PHO4/PHO2; however, aluminum did not affect the pho84p transport mediated by Pho86p. Our results corroborate the finding that aluminum reduces phosphorus absorption and inhibits the growth of the plant in acidic media. Additionally, the high-affinity phosphate transporter NtPT1 in tobacco exhibits a similar role to PHO84 in yeast cells. Altogether, our results may provide basis for the engineering of aluminum-resistant microorganisms or plants and the treatment of acidic soil.