Details for Genetic and molecular mechanisms of aluminum tolerance in plants

Simões CC; Melo JO; Magalhaes JV; Guimarães CT (2012). Genetic and molecular mechanisms of aluminum tolerance in plants. Genetics and Molecular Research 11 (3):1949–1957. (DOI: 10.4238/2012.July.19.14). http://geneticsmr.com/articles/1770. (G7010.03.02).

Genes encoding membrane transporters and accessory transcription factors, as well as cis-elements that enhance gene expression are involved in Al tolerance in plants, thus studies of these genes and accessory factors should be the focus of molecular breeding efforts aimed at improving Al tolerance in crops. In this review, we describe the main genetic and molecular studies that led to the identification and cloning of genes associated with Al tolerance in plants. We include recent findings on the regulation of genes associated with Al tolerance. Understanding the genetic, molecular, and physiological aspects of Al tolerance in plants is important for generating cultivars adapted to acid soils, thereby contributing to food security worldwide.