Expression Profiles of a Tung Tree Phosphate Transporter cDNA and Structural Characteristics of the Encoded Protein

Plant phosphate transporters mediate phosphate acquisition, translocation, and recycling. A Vernicia fordii cDNA encoding a phosphate transporter was cloned using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The resulting cDNA named Vernicia fordii Phosphate Transporter-1;1 (VfPht1;1) encodes a predicted protein consisting of 533 amino acids. This protein, which was predicted to contain 12 transmembrane domains, is most similar (89.9%) to a Ricinus communis predicted protein. The quantitative real-time PCR data revealed that VfPht1;1 is most highly expressed in mature leaf petioles. It is also highly expressed in seeds collected in June, when developing fruits require a large amount of phosphates. Our observations suggest that VfPht1;1 may have diverse functions related to phosphate uptake and translocation.