Characterization and function of the urea transporter genes from Porphyra yezoensis (Rhodophyta) in molecular mechanisms underlying assimilation of nitrogen sources

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Two urea transporters (PyUT1 and PyUT2), which may be involved in nitrogen uptake and assimilation, have been identified in the rhodophyta seaweed Porphyra yezoensis. Expression of both PyUT1 and PyUT2 genes were rapidly induced under low nitrogen concentration, suggesting a possibility that the PyUT genes play an important role in adaptation to low nitrogen conditions. The expression levels of both PyUT1 and PyUT2 genes were affected by inorganic nitrogen sources and an organic nitrogen urea. When the yeast UT (DUR3) gene-mutant strain was transformed with the plasmid vector expressing PyUT1 or PyUT2 proteins, the growth complementation of these transformants was not observed. These results suggest that the PyUT genes play important roles in uptake of other nitrogen sources and/or in intracellular urea transport system.