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ARTICLE

Characterization and Expression of Ammonium Transporter in Peach (Prunus persica) and Regulation Analysis in Response to External Ammonium Supply

Meiling Tang^1,2,#, Yuhe Li^1,3,#, Yahui Chen^1,4, Lei Han^1,3, Hongxia Zhang^1,3, Zhizhong Song^1,3,4,*

1 College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
2 Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, 264000, China
3 Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong (Ludong University), Yantai, 264025, China
4 Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education of China, College of Forest, Nanjing Forest University, Nanjing, 214008, China

* Corresponding Author: Zhizhong Song. Email:
# These authors contributed equally to this work

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2020, 89(4), 925-941. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2020.011184

Received 24 April 2020; Accepted 29 May 2020; Issue published 09 November 2020

Abstract

As the preferred nitrogen (N) source, ammonium (NH₄⁺ ) contributes to plant growth and development and fruit quality. In plants, NH₄⁺ uptake is facilitated by a family of NH₄⁺ transporters (AMT). However, the molecular mechanisms and functional characteristics of the AMT genes in peach have not been mentioned yet. In this present study, excess NH₄⁺ stress severely hindered shoot growth and root elongation, accompanied with reduced mineral accumulation, decreased leaf chlorophyll concentration, and stunned photosynthetic performance. In addition, we identified 14 putative AMT genes in peach (PpeAMT). Expression analysis showed that PpeAMT genes were differently expressed in peach leaves, stems and roots, and were distinctly regulated by external NH₄⁺ supplies. Putative cis-elements involved in abiotic stress adaption, Ca²⁺ response, light and circadian rhythms regulation, and seed development were observed in the promoters of the PpeAMT family genes. Phosphorylation analysis of residues within the C-terminal of PpeAMT proteins revealed many conserved phosphorylation residues in both the AMT1 and AMT2 subfamily members, which could potentially play roles in controlling the NH₄⁺ transport activities. This study provides gene resources to study the biological function of AMT proteins in peach, and reveals molecular basis for NH₄⁺ uptake and N nutrition mechanisms of fruit trees.

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