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A transporter regulating silicon distribution in rice shoots
Naoki Yamaji1, Namiki Mitatni, Jian Feng Ma
1Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University, Kurashiki 710-0046, Japan.
The Plant Cell
|June 3, 2008
Summary
A newly identified transporter, Lsi6, is crucial for silicon distribution in rice shoots. This protein facilitates silicon transport out of the xylem, impacting silica deposition and plant stress tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rice (Oryza sativa) accumulates high silicon (Si) concentrations in shoots.
- Silicon deposition as amorphous silica enhances plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the transporter responsible for silicon distribution within rice shoots.
- To elucidate the role of Lsi6 in silicon transport and deposition in rice plants.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and characterization of the Lsi6 transporter.
- Analysis of Lsi6 expression patterns in different rice tissues.
- Cellular localization studies using immunofluorescence.
- Phenotypic analysis of Lsi6 knockdown mutants.
Main Results:
- Lsi6, an aquaporin, facilitates silicic acid transport and is expressed in rice leaf sheaths, blades, and root tips.
- Lsi6 is localized in xylem parenchyma cells, facing the vessels, indicating a role in xylem unloading.
- Knockdown of Lsi6 disrupted silica deposition in shoots and increased Si excretion in guttation fluid, without affecting root Si uptake.
Conclusions:
- Lsi6 is a key transporter mediating silicon efflux from the xylem into leaf tissues.
- Lsi6 plays a critical role in regulating silicon distribution within rice shoots, influencing silica deposition and potentially stress tolerance.
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