Oryza sativa Lysine‐Histidine‐type Transporter 1 functions in root uptake and root‐to‐shoot allocation of amino acids in rice

Summary In agricultural soils, amino acids can represent vital nitrogen (N) sources for crop growth and yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying amino acid uptake and allocation are poorly understood in crop plants. This study shows that rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots can acquire aspartate at soil concentration, and that japonica subspecies take up this acidic amino acid 1.5‐fold more efficiently than indica subspecies. Genetic association analyses with 68 representative japonica or indica germplasms identified rice Lysine‐Histidine‐type Transporter 1 (OsLHT1) as a candidate gene associated with the aspartate uptake trait. When expressed in yeast, OsLHT1 supported cell growth on a broad spectrum of amino acids, and effectively transported aspartate, asparagine and glutamate. OsLHT1 is localized throughout the rice root, including root hairs, epidermis, cortex and stele, and to the leaf vasculature. Knockout of OsLHT1 in japonica resulted in reduced root uptake of amino acids. Furthermore, in 15N‐amino acid‐fed mutants versus wild‐type, a higher percentage of 15N remained in roots instead of being allocated to the shoot. 15N‐ammonium uptake and subsequently the delivery of root‐synthesized amino acids to Oslht1 shoots were also significantly decreased, which was accompanied by reduced shoot growth. These results together provide evidence that OsLHT1 functions in both root uptake and root to shoot allocation of a broad spectrum of amino acids in rice. Significance Statement Amino acids can serve as important nitrogen sources in agricultural fields, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms of amino acid uptake and allocation in crops. This study conducted genetic association analyses of 15N‐aspartate uptake among rice accessions, combined with genetic and biochemical analyses, and revealed that Oryza sativa Lysine‐Histidine‐type Transporter 1 (OsLHT1) functions in both root uptake and root to shoot allocation of a broad spectrum of amino acids.