Abstract
BackgroundPlants contain a range of aquaporin (AQP) proteins, which act as transporter of water and nutrient molecules through living membranes. AQPs also participate in water uptake through the roots and contribute to water homeostasis in leaves.ResultsIn this study, we identified 59 AQP genes in the B. rapa database and Br135K microarray dataset. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct subfamilies of AQP genes: plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), NOD26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) and small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs). Microarray analysis showed that the majority of PIP subfamily genes had differential transcript abundance between two B. rapa inbred lines Chiifu and Kenshin that differ in their susceptibility to cold. In addition, all BrPIP genes showed organ-specific expression. Out of 22 genes, 12, 7 and 17 were up-regulated in response to cold, drought and salt stresses, respectively. In addition, 18 BrPIP genes were up-regulated under ABA treatment and 4 BrPIP genes were up-regulated upon F. oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans infection. Moreover, all BrPIP genes showed down-regulation under waterlogging stress, reflecting likely the inactivation of AQPs controlling symplastic water movement.ConclusionsThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of AQPs in B. rapa and details the expression of 22 members of the BrPIP subfamily. These results provide insight into stress-related biological functions of each PIP gene of the AQP family, which will promote B. rapa breeding programs.
Highlights
Plants contain a range of aquaporin (AQP) proteins, which act as transporter of water and nutrient molecules through living membranes
We concluded that Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIP) subfamily members among the BrAQP proteins are the most likely to be involved in water and solute transport in response to various abiotic stresses
In this study, we demonstrated that BrPIP genes showed organ-specific expression in B. rapa plants and might be related to different cellular controls of water flow
Summary
Plants contain a range of aquaporin (AQP) proteins, which act as transporter of water and nutrient molecules through living membranes. AQPs participate in water uptake through the roots and contribute to water homeostasis in leaves. The symplastic pathway transports water across membranes [1] and is generally mediated by members of an ancient family of water channels called aquaporins (AQPs), which are part of the major intrinsic protein (MIP) superfamily [2]. AQPs are involved in controlling water movement for tissue expansion [6, 7] and have regulatory roles in processes such as fruit development [8] and cell enlargement in Arabidopsis thaliana roots, hypocotyls, leaves, and flower stems [6], and ripening of grape berries [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
