Data from: Genome-wide analysis of MATE transporters and molecular characterization of aluminum resistance in Populus

Ionic aluminum (Al) in acidic soils, comprising approximately 50% of
arable land globally, is highly toxic to most plant species. Populus grow
naturally in acidic soils and tolerate high concentrations of Al.
Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family genes in plants are
involved in responses to Al tolerance. To date, however, the functional
roles of the MATE genes in Populus remain unclear. In the present study,
71 putative MATE transporters were predicted in the genome of Populus
trichocarpa. The chromosome distribution, phylogenetic relationships, and
expression level analysis revealed that four candidate MATE genes
belonging to subgroup IIIc might contribute to high Al tolerance in
poplar. Further, the expression levels of two subgroup IIIc members,
PtrMATE1 and PtrMATE2, were induced by Al stress. Transient expression in
onion epidermal cells showed that PtrMATE1 was localized to the plasma
membrane. Overexpression of PtrMATE1 increased Al-induced secretion of
citrate from the root apex of transgenic plants. Al-induced inhibition of
root growths were alleviated in both PtrMATE1 overexpression lines in
Populus and in Arabidopsis compared with wild-type plants. In addition,
PtrMATE1 expression was induced at 12 h after exposure to Al stress
whereas PtrMATE2 expression was induced at 24 h, indicating that these
proteins coordinately function in response to Al stress in poplar. Taken
together, these results provide important insights into the molecular
mechanisms involved in Al tolerance in poplar.