Abstract
Heavy metals such nickel (Ni) can cause toxicity by 1) displacing essential components in the biomolecules, 2) blocking the functional group of molecules, or 3) modifying enzymes, proteins, the plasma membrane, and membrane transporters. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of nickel (Ni) on gene expression of nitrate on gene expression with a focus on the genes coding for the high affinity Ni transporter family protein AT2G16800, and natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP). Ni toxicity was assessed by treating seedlings with an aqueous solution of nickel nitrate salt [Ni(NO3)2] at the concentrations of 150 mg, 800 mg, and 1600 mg of nickel per 1 kg of dry soil. RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression of AT2G16800, and NRAMP genes in samples treated with nickel nitrates and controls. The results revealed that P. glauca is resistant to Ni based on lack of plant damage at all nickel concentrations. Ni has no effect on the expression of the AT2G16800 gene in needles or roots. However, it induced an upregulation of the NRAMP genes in roots at all the doses tested (150 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1600 mg/kg). On the other hand, Ni has no effect on the expression of the NRAMP gene in needle but the lowest dose of potassium (150 mg/kg) upregulated this gene in needle tissues.
Highlights
Nickel (Ni) is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in plant growth and development [1]
The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of nickel (Ni) on gene expression of nitrate on gene expression with a focus on the genes coding for the high affinity Ni transporter family protein AT2G16800, and natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP)
It induced an upregulation of the Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) genes in roots at all the doses tested (150 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1600 mg/kg)
Summary
Nickel (Ni) is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in plant growth and development [1]. Seregin and Kozhevnikova [6] reported an increase in some antioxidant enzyme activities when the level of Ni is high This is consistent with Gajewska et al [7] who observed a significant increase in peroxidases (POD) and Glutathione S-transferases (GST) activities. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activities can be completely inhibited [7] These enzymes play an important role within plants. Analysis of the effects of nickel on gene expression including the high affinity Ni transporter family protein (AT2G16800) and Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) in higher plants has been limited to angiosperm species. The NRAMP transporters gene family is conserved in many organisms including plants These genes code for NRAMP proteins that can bind and complex heavy metal ions for transport. These proteins use the proton-motive force to drive the uptake of Ni2+ and Co2+ ions into the plant root system [8]
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