Identification of the gene family in the potato ( L.) and analysis of the function of / in response to aluminum toxicity.

Introduction: Aluminum (Al)-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) play an important role in the response to Al toxicity, maintenance of ion homeostasis balance, mineral nutrient distribution, and fruit quality development in plants. However, the function of the gene family in potato remains unknown.

Methods And Results: In this study, 14 genes were identified from the potato genome, unevenly distributed on seven different chromosomes. Collinearity and synteny analyses of genes showed that potatoes had 6 and 22 orthologous gene pairs with Arabidopsis and tomatoes, respectively, and more than one syntenic gene pair was identified for some gene family members. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results showed differential expression levels of gene family members in different tissues of the potato. Interestingly, , , , , and had higher expression in the root of the potato cultivar Qingshu No. 9. After being subjected to Al stress for 24 h, the expression of and in roots was evidently increased, displaying their decisive role in Al toxicity.

Discussion: In addition, overexpression of and in Arabidopsis enhanced its tolerance to Al toxicity. These results indicate that and impart Al resistance in the potato, establishing the foundation for further studies of the biological functions of these genes.