Genome-Wide Systematic Characterization of the Family Genes and Their Transcriptional Responses to Multiple Nutrient Stresses in Allotetraploid Rapeseed.

NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1 (NRT1)/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER (PTR) family (NPF) proteins can transport various substrates, and play crucial roles in governing plant nitrogen (N) uptake and distribution. However, little is known about the genes in . Here, a comprehensive genome-wide systematic characterization of the family led to the identification of 193 genes in the whole genome of . The family exhibited high levels of genetic diversity among sub-families but this was conserved within each subfamily. Whole-genome duplication and segmental duplication played a major role in evolution. The expression analysis indicated that a broad range of expression patterns for individual gene occurred in response to multiple nutrient stresses, including N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deficiencies, as well as ammonium toxicity. Furthermore, 10 core genes in response to N stress were identified. These genes contained 6-13 transmembrane domains, located in plasma membrane, that respond discrepantly to N deficiency in different tissues. Robust -regulatory elements were identified within the promoter regions of the core genes. Taken together, our results suggest that are versatile transporters that might evolve new functions in . Our findings benefit future research on this gene family.