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Frontiers in Genetics
Frontiers
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Abstract: |
Metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) encompass plant membrane divalent cation
transporters to specifically participate in heavy metal stress resistance and mineral
acquisition. However, the molecular behaviors and biological functions of this family
in Medicago truncatula are scarcely known. A total of 12 potential MTP candidate
genes in the M. truncatula genome were successfully identified and analyzed for a
phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal distributions, gene structures, docking analysis,
gene ontology, and previous gene expression. M. truncatula MTPs (MtMTPs) were
further classified into three major cation diffusion facilitator (CDFs) groups: Mn-CDFs,
Zn-CDFs, and Fe/Zn-CDFs. The structural analysis of MtMTPs displayed high gene
similarity within the same group where all of them have cation_efflux domain or ZT_dimer.
Cis-acting element analysis suggested that various abiotic stresses and phytohormones
could induce the most MtMTP gene transcripts. Among all MTPs, PF16916 is the
specific domain, whereas GLY, ILE, LEU, MET, ALA, SER, THR, VAL, ASN, and PHE
amino acids were predicted to be the binding residues in the ligand-binding site of all
these proteins. RNA-seq and gene ontology analysis revealed the significant role of
MTP genes in the growth and development of M. truncatula. MtMTP genes displayed
differential responses in plant leaves, stems, and roots under five divalent heavy metals
(Cd2C, Co2C, Mn2C, Zn2C, and Fe2C). Ten, seven, and nine MtMTPs responded to at
least one metal ion treatment in the leaves, stems, and roots, respectively. Additionally,
MtMTP1.1, MtMTP1.2, and MtMTP4 exhibited the highest expression responses in
most heavy metal treatments. Our results presented a standpoint on the evolution of
MTPs in M. truncatula. Overall, our study provides a novel insight into the evolution
of the MTP gene family in M. truncatula and paves the way for additional functional
characterization of this gene family.
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