Genome-Wide Analysis of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporter Family in <i>Zea mays</i> L. and Its Response to Heavy Metal Stresses

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family is one of the largest eukaryotic protein families. Its members play roles in numerous metabolic processes in plants by releasing energy for substrate transport across membranes through hydrolysis of ATP. Maize belongs to the monocotyledonous plant fa...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhaolai Guo, Xinqi Yuan, Linyang Li, Ming Zeng, Jie Yang, Hong Tang, Changqun Duan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-02-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/4/2109
Description
Summary:The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family is one of the largest eukaryotic protein families. Its members play roles in numerous metabolic processes in plants by releasing energy for substrate transport across membranes through hydrolysis of ATP. Maize belongs to the monocotyledonous plant family, Gramineae, and is one of the most important food crops in the world. We constructed a phylogenetic tree with individual ABC genes from maize, rice, sorghum, <i>Arabidopsis</i>, and poplar. This revealed eight families, each containing ABC genes from both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, indicating that the amplification events of ABC gene families predate the divergence of plant monocotyledons. To further understand the functions of ABC genes in maize growth and development, we analyzed the expression patterns of maize ABC family genes in eight tissues and organs based on the transcriptome database on the Genevestigator website. We identified 133 ABC genes expressed in most of the eight tissues and organs examined, especially during root and leaf development. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of <i>ZmABC</i> genes showed that exposure to metallic lead induced differential expression of many maize ABC genes, mainly including <i>ZmABC 012</i>, <i>013</i>, <i>015</i>, <i>031</i>, <i>040</i>, <i>043</i>, <i>065</i>, <i>078</i>, <i>080</i>, <i>085</i>, <i>088</i>, <i>102</i>, <i>107</i>, <i>111</i>, <i>130</i> and <i>131</i> genes, etc. These results indicated that <i>ZmABC</i> genes play an important role in the response to heavy metal stress. The comprehensive analysis of this study provides a foundation for further studies into the roles of ABC genes in maize.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067