Functional characterization of a transition metal ion transporter, OsZIP6 from rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Micronutrients are important for the growth and development of plants, which deploy families of transporters for their uptake and distribution. We have functionally characterized a novel transition metal ion transporter from rice, OsZIP6 (Oryza sativa zinc regulated transporter, iron regulated transporter-like protein 6). The transporter was found to be transcriptionally activated in shoot and root tissues in response to deficiency in Fe2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+. OsZIP6 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, where currents were observed on addition of Co2+, Fe2+ and Cd2+ but not Zn2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+. This substrate range for OsZIP6, identified using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Ion transport by OsZIP6 was found to be pH dependent and enhanced transport was observed at acidic pH. Radioisotope uptake suggested that Co2+ competitively inhibits Fe2+ uptake by OsZIP6. Identification and characterization of ZIP family members from crop plants will contribute to an understanding of nutrient mineral homeostasis in these plants.