NRAT1 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

Os02g0131800 (NRAT1) on rice chromosome 2 encodes a member of the NRAMP family of metal ion transporters, with molecular functions including manganese, iron, aluminium and cadmium ion transmembrane transporter activity. The gene is associated with aluminium uptake and tolerance, as well as with manganese transport, homeostasis and responses to manganese starvation. NRAT1 has been linked to grain cadmium content and grain quality, yield, root development, and broad-spectrum disease resistance. The encoded protein localises to the plasma membrane, endosome, vacuole and Golgi. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to vacuolar iron transport, iron mobilisation, cadmium sensitivity, and cadmium uptake.