A study of PTF1 interaction with phosphorus stress inducing genes and its influence on root architecture of transgenic Arabidopsis

Background: Phosphorus; an essential macronutrient needed by the plant for its robust growth is inaccessible to the plant as required. Hence, a need arises to develop smart crops capable of utilizing maximum phosphorus from soil. PTF1(Inorganic Phosphorus Starvation Induced Transcription Factor 1) is overexpressed during phosphorus stress and regulates number of genes to combat this abiotic stress.Methods: The current study is the first ever reported case of transforming Arabidopsis thaliana with plant expression binary vector pSB219 harboring PTF1 via floral dip method and analyzing phosphorus stress induced genes interaction, through yeast-one-hybrid. Yeast-one-hybrid analysis was performed on four selected genes namely LPR1 (Low Phosphate Response), PDR2 (Phosphate Deficiency Response 2), PHT1;2 (Phosphate Transporter) and RNS1 (Ribonuclease). The positive transformed lines were expression analyzed for PTF1 by real time PCR and further studied for their root morphology.Results: The results clearly showed direct interaction of LPR1 with PTF1 while other genes, although being overexpressed, were indirectly regulated. Transformation efficiency of 1% was achieved and a maximum 2.5-fold increase in PTF1 expression was observed. Root morphological studies exhibited significantly enhanced root hair and lateral surface area when grown in phosphorus deficient MS medium.Conclusion: The results of the current study may pave path for improved comprehension of gene interactions and root architecture modifications under phosphorus limiting conditions.Keywords: Phosphorus; Arabidopsis; Yeast one hybrid; Roots