Structural and functional characterization of AtPTR3, a stress-induced peptide transporter of Arabidopsis

A T-DNA tagged mutant line of Arabidopsis thaliana, produced with a promoter trap vector carrying a promoterless gus (uidA) as a reporter gene, showed GUS induction in response to mechanical wounding. Cloning of the chromosomal DNA flanking the T-DNA revealed that the insert had caused a knockout mutation in a PTR-type peptide transporter gene named At5g46050 in GenBank, here renamed AtPTR3. The gene and the deduced protein were characterized by molecular modelling and bioinformatics. Molecular modelling of the protein with fold recognition identified 12 transmembrane spanning regions and a large loop between the sixth and seventh helices. The structure of AtPTR3 resembled the other PTR-type transporters of plants and transporters in the major facilitator superfamily. Computer analysis of the AtPTR3 promoter suggested its expression in roots, leaves and seeds, complex hormonal regulation and induction by abiotic and biotic stresses. The computer-based hypotheses were tested experimentally by exposing the mutant plants to amino acids and several stress treatments. The AtPTR3 gene was induced by the amino acids histidine, leucine and phenylalanine in cotyledons and lower leaves, whereas a strong induction was obtained in the whole plant upon exposure to salt. Furthermore, the germination frequency of the mutant line was reduced on salt-containing media, suggesting that the AtPTR3 protein is involved in stress tolerance in seeds during germination.Figure a Induction of AtPTR3 gene by amino acids. GUS staining of line 9 plants eight hours after induction with amino acids. Control indicates plant treated with water. His, Leu and Phe indicate plants treated with 10 mM amino acids histidine, leucine or phenylalanine, respectively. b Induction of AtPTR3 gene by salt. GUS staining of line 9 plants grown on MS medium on different salt concentrations: Control indicates plant grown on MS medium and 100 mM, 120 mM and 140 mM indicate plants grown on MS medium supplemented with the indicated NaCl concentrations. Size of the plants grown on salt medium has been magnified. c Germination frequency of Atptr3 knockout mutant line is reduced on salt medium. Atptr3 knockout mutant (9) and wild type C24 (WT) sown on MS medium (Control) and MS medium supplemented with salt (140 mM NaCl).