Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Ammonium Transporter (AMT) Genes in Rapeseed ( L.).

Ammonium transporters (AMTs) are plasma membrane proteins mediating ammonium uptake and transport. As such, AMTs play vital roles in ammonium acquisition and mobilization, plant growth and development, and stress and pathogen defense responses. Identification of favorable AMT genotypes is a prime target for crop improvement. However, to date, systematic identification and expression analysis of gene family members has not yet been reported for rapeseed ( L.). In this study, 20 genes were identified in a comprehensive search of the genome, 14 members of and 6 members of . Tissue expression analyses revealed that the 14 genes were primarily expressed in vegetative organs, suggesting that different genes might function in specific tissues at the different development stages. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR analysis found that several strongly respond to the exogenous N conditions, implying the functional roles of genes in ammonium absorption in rapeseed. Moreover, the rapeseed genes were found to be differentially regulated by N, P, and K deficiency, indicating that crosstalk might exist in response to different stresses. Additionally, the subcellular localization of several BnaAMT proteins was confirmed in protoplasts, and their functions were studied in detail by heterologous expression in yeast. In summary, our studies revealed the potential roles of genes in N acquisition or transportation and abiotic stress response and could provide valuable resources for revealing the functionality of in rapeseed.