Molecular mechanisms of boron transport in plants: Involvement of arabidopsis NIP5;1 and NIP6;1

Abstract

Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of boron (B) transport has been greatly advanced in the last decade. BOR1, the first B transporter in living systems, was identified by forward genetics using Arabidopsis mutants. Genes similar to BOR1 have been reported to share different physiological roles in plants. NIP5;1, a member of aquaporins in Arabidopsis, was then identified as a boric acid channel gene responsible for the B uptake into roots. NIP6;1, the most similar gene to NIP5;1, encodes a B channel essential for B distribution to young leaves. In the present chapter, recent advancement of the understanding of molecular mechanisms of B transport and roles of NIP genes are discussed. © 2010 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media.