Arsenic-induced up-regulation of P transporters PvPht1;3–1;4 enhances both As and P uptake in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata

Plants often up-regulate gene expression of P transporters under P deficiency, but down-regulate them under arsenic stress. Different from other P transporters, PvPht1;3 and PvPht1;4 expressions in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata are up-regulated under P deficiency and As stress, showing strong transport capacity for both As and P. This study examined the mechanisms behind As-induced up-regulation of P transporters in P. vittata after exposing to 10–50 µM arsenate (AsV) for 14 d under hydroponics, with non-hyperaccumulator P. ensiformis as a control. Under As stress, P. vittata was more efficient in taking up both As and P than P. ensiformis, showing 48–84% more P content in the fronds and roots, leading to 18–79% greater biomass. Though As enhanced the P uptake by P. vittata, the inorganic P was reduced by 25–64% from 140–347 to 65–126 mg kg−1. It is likely that, under As stress, more P was utilized by P. vittata to counter As toxicity, causing reduction in inorganic P. This was supported by As-induced conversion of inorganic P to phytate in P. vittata, with phytate-P being increased by 26–75% from 239–713 to 418–1221 mg kg−1, maintaining internal low P levels. Under As-induced low inorganic-P conditions, the expressions of P transporters PvPht1;3 and PvPht1;4 were up-regulated by 1.4- and 2.7-fold in the roots, helping greater As and P uptake by P. vittata. Clearly, As-induced overexpression of P transporters in P. vittata roots plays a critical role in taking up both As and P, thereby increasing its efficiency in As-hyperaccumulation from contaminated media. [Display omitted] •Mechanisms of As-induced P uptake by As-hyperaccumulator P. vittata was examined.•Arsenic enhanced P uptake and retention in P. vittata roots to counter As toxicity.•Arsenic induced conversion of inorganic P to phytate in P. vittata roots.•Up-regulated P transporters PvPht1;3–1;4 enhanced P and As uptake in P. vittata roots