PMIT1 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsPMIT1, located on chromosome 1 of garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa), encodes a member of the NRAMP family of metal ion transporters. The gene product exhibits transmembrane transporter activity for manganese, iron, and cadmium ions. LsPMIT1 is associated with manganese ion homeostasis and transport, including response to manganese starvation, as well as iron and cadmium ion membrane transport. It is linked to the regulation of vacuolar transport and positive regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolism. The protein localizes to the tonoplast, trans-Golgi network, endosome, and vacuolar membranes. LsPMIT1 is associated with photosynthetic rate, root length, and plant height. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to manganese and iron homeostasis, cadmium transport, seed iron accumulation, and responses to metal deficiency and toxicity.