Characterization of genes encoding metal tolerance proteins isolated from Nicotiana glauca and Nicotiana tabacum

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Jun 3;331(2):675-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.04.010.

Abstract

We have isolated a metal tolerance protein (MTP) gene, NgMTP1, from Nicotiana glauca (a potential phytoremediator plant) and two MTP genes, NtMTP1a and NtMTP1b, from Nicotiana tabacum. These three genes shared approximately 95% homology at the amino acid level. Heterologous expression of any of these three genes complemented Zn and Co tolerance in yeast mutants to a similar extent. In yeast, these proteins were shown to be located to vacuole membrane. These results suggest that the three MTPs operate by sequestering Zn and Co into vacuoles, thereby reducing the toxicity of these metals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cobalt / pharmacology
  • Genes, Plant / genetics*
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Genome, Plant
  • Genomics
  • Metals / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Nicotiana / drug effects*
  • Nicotiana / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Transport
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Zinc / pharmacology

Substances

  • Metals
  • Plant Proteins
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Cobalt
  • Zinc