Boron transport mechanisms: collaboration of channels and transporters.
Boron (B) is an essential element for plants, but is also toxic when present in excess. B deficiency and toxicity are both major agricultural problems worldwide, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms of B transport should allow us to develop technology to alleviate B deficiency and toxicity problems. Recent milestones include the identification of a boric acid channel, NIP5;1, and a boric acid/borate exporter, BOR1, from Arabidopsis thaliana. Both proteins were shown to be required for plant growth under B limitation. In addition, BOR1 homologs are required for B homeostasis in mammalian cells and B-toxicity tolerance in yeast and plants. Here, we discuss how transgenic approaches show promise for generating crops that are tolerant of B deficiency and toxicity.
Takano
Junpei
J
Biotechnology Research Center, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
Miwa
Kyoko
K
Fujiwara
Toru
T
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D001895:Boron / Q000378:metabolism*; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified
D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D001895:Boron