Analysis of Plant Aquaporins in Plant-Pathogen Interactions

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a group of channel intrinsic proteins localized in the plasma and intracellular membranes, tonoplast, and endoplasmic reticulum of plant cells. In plants, AQPs are present in almost all organs including roots, leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Plant AQPs are classified into five main subfamilies including the plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), nodulin intrinsic proteins (NIPs), small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs) and X intrinsic proteins (XIPs). They form channels in intracellular and plasma membranes to facilitate transport of water, small neutral molecules (urea, boric acid, silicic acid) and gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide) across cellular biological membranes. AQPs play a key role in maintaining water homeostasis and balance under different environmental stress conditions such as salinity, drought and low root temperature. Due to the ability of subcellular transport of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H₂O₂, AQPs can be involved in plant immunity against pathogen infection. They also can induce pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP)-triggered immunity and activate systemic acquired resistance (SAR).

STEMart helps detect changes in identified AQPs in plant-pathogen interactions. We also help discover, validate, and study the function of new AQPs in plant-pathogen interactions.

Test Capabilities

• Determine the subcellular localization and structure of AQPs
• Detect the changes of AQPs gene expression during pathogen infection
• Determine transport activity of AQPs
• Identify factors that regulate the expression of AQPs
• Identify substances that influence the function of AQPs
• Identify and characterize new AQPs based on plant genomic information
• In-depth mechanistic studies for new AQPs that contribute to plant resistance to pathogens

For more information about our plant aquaporins analysis service, please contact us.