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The ILR3-NRTs/NIA1/SWEET12 module regulates nitrogen uptake and utilization in apple
Hong-Liang Li1, Ran-Xin Liu1, Xiang Wu1
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Fruit & Vegetable Quality and Efficient Production, National Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, Shandong, 271018, China.
Molecular Horticulture
|September 3, 2025
Summary
MdILR3 positively regulates nitrate uptake and utilization in apple plants by activating key genes. This discovery offers potential for genetic improvements to enhance nitrogen absorption and plant growth.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Nitrogen is crucial for plant growth and development.
- Plants possess complex regulatory networks for nitrogen management.
- Mechanisms of nitrogen uptake and utilization in apples are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify upstream regulators of nitrogen (N) absorption and utilization in apple plants.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which MdILR3 influences N metabolism.
- To investigate the role of MdILR3 in regulating nitrate and sugar transport.
Main Methods:
- Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) screening to identify interacting proteins.
- Quantitative gene expression analysis (overexpression studies).
- Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA) to confirm direct promoter interactions.
- Analysis of nitrate content and enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- MdILR3 was identified as an upstream regulator of MdNRT2.4.
- Overexpression of MdILR3 enhanced the expression of N-related genes (MdNRT2.3/2.4, MdNIA1) and increased nitrate content and reductase activity.
- MdILR3 directly binds to the promoters of MdNRT2.3/2.4, MdNIA1, and MdSWEET12, activating their expression.
- MdILR3 regulates sucrose transport, supplying energy for root nitrogen uptake.
Conclusions:
- MdILR3 positively regulates nitrate response in apple plants.
- MdILR3 activates genes involved in nitrogen uptake and sugar transport.
- Findings suggest potential for genetic improvement of nitrogen use efficiency in apples.
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