Evolution, and functional analysis of Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Proteins (NRAMPs) from Theobroma cacao and their role in cadmium accumulation.

ABSTRACT: The presence of the toxic metal cadmium (Cd²⁺) in certain foodstuffs is recognised as a global problem, and there is increasing legislative pressure to reduce the content of Cd in food. The present study was conducted on cacao (Theobroma cacao), the source of chocolate, and one of the crops known to accumulate Cd in certain conditions. There are a range of possible genetic and agronomic methods being tested as a route to such reduction. As part of a gene-based approach, we focused on the Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Proteins (NRAMPS), a family of proton/metal transporter proteins that are evolutionarily conserved across all species from bacteria to humans. The plant NRAMP gene family are of particular importance as they are responsible for uptake of the nutritionally

SUBMITTER: Ullah I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6158261 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature