Molecular cloning and expression analysis of betaine transporter gene in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

During exposure to stress, betaine content was reported to increase in maize (Zea mays L.), but the exact mechanism of this increase is not clearly understood. In the current study, we attempted to identify a novel betaine transporter gene and investigated the expression patterns under salt and drought stresses. The betaine transporter gene, ZmBetProt, was cloned by RACE technique from Maize, which covered 1538 bp with a 1299 bp open reading frame encoding 432 amino acids, protein molecular weight was 46.986 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point of 8.90.The Bet/ProT homologous genes were obtained from various plant species. The highest similarity was observed with proline transporter of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtProT3). Under salt stress, betaine gene expression was not induced significantly, but induced significantly under mannitol stress. Full-length sequence data for cDNA of the betaine transporter gene was submitted to the GenBank with accession number: KX013323.1. This study is designed to provide in-depth understanding of the roles of ZmBetProt in regulation of betaine transporter under abiotic stress.

Physiological and molecular level understanding of advanced carbon dots to enhance maize drought tolerance: modulation of photosynthesis and signaling molecules

“…20 Herein, the major AQP genes ( ZmPIP1;1 , ZmPIP1;2 , ZmPIP2;4 , ZmPIP2;5 , ZmTIP1;1 and ZmNIP1;1 ) involved in maize water transport were examined. 37 These AQP genes were overexpressed after foliar spraying PNDs (Fig. 3g), compared with CK.…”

“…10 The as-synthesized Pro could be transported from Environmental Science: Nano Paper shoots to roots, and the ZmBetProt gene plays a key role in this process. 37 Fig. 3a shows that its expression was upregulated by 1.1-fold.…”

“…4d). 37,38 On the seventh day, the drought stress of plants was reduced, and signals were transmitted from the roots to the leaves (Fig. 4e), decreasing the synthesis of ABA in the leaves, opening the stomata, and increasing the E (Fig.…”

“…20 Maize ( Zea mays L.) was selected as a model plant, as it is a main crop for feeding humans and grows in Asia, America and Africa, which suffer from drought every year that can cause 20–30% yield loss. 21 With these judicious considerations and preparations, we investigated: 1) the effect of foliar-applied PNDs on maize growth under drought, 2) the modulation of induced tolerance by foliar-applied PNDs, and 3) the molecular pathways of PNDs to enhance maize drought tolerance.…”