LeNRT2.3 functions in nitrate acquisition and long-distance transport in tomato

Nitrogen plays an important role in plant growth and development. Nitrate transporters have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis, but in tomato they have not been functionally characterized. In this study, we report the functions of LeNRT2.3 in nitrate transport in tomato. Our results show that LeNRT2.3 is induced by nitrate, and mainly localizes to the plasma membranes of rhizodermal and pericycle cells in roots. Further analysis in Xenopus oocytes showed that LeNRT2.3 mediates low-affinity nitrate transport. 35S:LeNRT2.3 increased nitrate uptake in root and transport from root to shoot. More interestingly, 35S:LeNRT2.3 showed high biomass and fruit weight. Taken together, these results suggest that LeNRT2.3 plays a double role in nitrate uptake and long-distance transport in tomato.