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Transcriptional profiling of aluminum toxicity and tolerance responses in maize roots
Author(s) -
Maron Lyza G.,
Kirst Matias,
Mao Chuanzao,
Milner Matthew J.,
Menossi Marcelo,
Kochian Leon V.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02440.x
Subject(s) - biology , gene , gene expression , toxicity , gene expression profiling , genetics , genotype , dna microarray , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry
Summary• Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major factor limiting crop yields on acid soils. There is considerable genotypic variation for Al tolerance in most common plant species. In maize ( Zea mays ), Al tolerance is a complex phenomenon involving multiple genes and physiological mechanisms yet uncharacterized. • To begin elucidating the molecular basis of maize Al toxicity and tolerance, a detailed temporal analysis of root gene expression under Al stress was performed using microarrays with Al‐tolerant and Al‐sensitive genotypes. • Al altered the expression of significantly more genes in the Al‐sensitive genotype, presumably as a result of more severe Al toxicity. Nevertheless, several Al‐regulated genes exhibited higher expression in the Al‐tolerant genotype. Cell wall‐related genes, as well as low phosphate‐responsive genes, were found to be regulated by Al. In addition, the expression patterns of genes related to Al‐activated citrate release indicated that in maize this mechanism is probably regulated by the expression level and/or function of the citrate transporter. • This study is the first comprehensive survey of global transcriptional regulation under Al stress. The results described here will help to further our understanding of how mechanisms of Al toxicity and tolerance in maize are regulated at the transcriptional level.