ANAC044 modulates P reutilization in P deficient Arabidopsis thaliana
root cell wall in an ethylene dependent manner
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major problem in agriculture, thus
identifying factors affecting plant’s ability to reutilize previously
assimilated P is a prerequisite for improving the P homeostasis in crops
grown with P deficient soil. Here, we report the involvement of a NAC
(No apical meristem [NAM], Arabidopsis transcription activation
factor [ATAF] and Cup-shaped cotyledon [CUC]) transcription
factor in P deficiency resistance in Arabidopsis. Compared to the wild
type (WT, Col-0) plants, the anac044 mutant displayed P deficiency
resistant phenotype, together with the increasing root length, root and
shoot biomass under P deficiency. ANAC044 was frequently expressed,
including roots and shoots. Upon P deficient treatment even within 1 d,
ANAC044 transcript accumulation was strongly up-regulated. Further
analysis revealed that, under P-deficient condition, the cell wall,
particularly the pectin of anac044, released more P than that of WT,
accompanied by an increment of ethylene production, as a result, more
soluble P was available in anac044 root and shoot. Thus, the study here
uncovers the role of ANAC044 in maintenance of P homeostasis through
ethylene signaling.