A Transgene Encoding a Plasma Membrane H⁺-ATPase That Confers Acid Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings

Corresponding author: Michael R. Sussman, Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, msussman{at}facstaff.wisc.edu (E-mail).

Communicating editor: D. PREUSS

Proton pumps (H⁺-ATPases) are the primary active transport systems in the plasma membrane of higher plant cells. These enzymes are encoded by a large gene family expressed throughout the plant, with specific isoforms directed to various specialized cells. While their involvement in membrane energetics has been suggested by a large body of biochemical and physiological studies, a genetic analysis of their role in plants has not yet been performed. We report here that mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants containing a phloem-specific transgene encoding a plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase with an altered carboxy terminus show improved growth at low pH during seedling development. These observations provide the first genetic evidence for a role of the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase in cytoplasmic pH homeostasis in plants.

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