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Molecular characterization, transcriptional regulation and function analysis of nitrate transporters in plants

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Frontiers of Agriculture in China

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important inorganic nutrients in plants, and its less availability is an important limiting factor for plant growth in most agricultural systems. In this essay, the following aspects on nitrate transporters (NRT) in plants, such as the uptake features of nitrate (NO −3 ) mediated by roots, molecular characterization of NRTs, expression patterns and transcription regulation mechanisms of NRT genes, and functions of NRTs in plants, have been reviewed. Further studies of the molecular characterization, expression patterns, transcriptional regulation mechanisms, and functions of plant NRTs will provide a more detailed insight to understand the molecular mechanism of nitrate intake and nitrate transportation in plants. In the meantime, the researches on plant NRTs have potential roles for the improvement of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in crop production, as well as for the promotion of sustainable development in the agricultural ecosystem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Agronomy, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China

    Chengjin Guo, Wensuo Chang & Kai Xiao

  2. College of Life Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, 071001, China

    Juntao Gu, Xiaojuan Li & Wenjing Lu

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  1. Chengjin Guo
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  2. Wensuo Chang
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  3. Juntao Gu
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  4. Xiaojuan Li
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  6. Kai Xiao
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Correspondence to Kai Xiao.

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Guo, C., Chang, W., Gu, J. et al. Molecular characterization, transcriptional regulation and function analysis of nitrate transporters in plants. Front. Agric. China 5, 291–298 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11703-011-1067-5

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