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Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Author Spotlight: Soybean Hairy Root Transformation for the Analysis of Gene Function
Published on: May 5, 2023
The sugar transporter GmSWEET48 impacts seed yield and composition of soybean
Lin Zhu1, Feng Lin1, Gangao Zhang1
1College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
Abstract:
During the early stages of seed development, the small embryo receives large amounts of sugar from the liquid endosperm of the developing seed. A sugar deficit can lead to severe seed abortion and yield loss. However, the key factors influencing sugar transport and crop yield remain largely unknown. In this work, we identified a plasma membrane-localized sugar transporter, GmSWEET48, that was highly expressed in developing soybean seeds. Heterologous expression showed that GmSWEET48 transported fructose and glucose in yeast systems and exhibited 14C-labeled sucrose influx and efflux activities in Xenopus oocytes. Overexpression of GmSWEET48 decreased the levels of sucrose and oil but increased protein levels in seeds and promoted seed yield. In conclusion, GmSWEET48 regulates sugar transport during early seed development and ultimately regulates seed yield and composition.
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