EoPHR2, a Phosphate Starvation Response Transcription Factor, Is Involved in Improving Low-Phosphorus Stress Resistance in Eremochloa ophiuroides

As a macronutrient, Phosphorus (P) takes many roles in plant growth and development. It should be significant to explore the molecular mechanism of low-phosphorus stress response of plants. Phosphate starvation response (PHR) transcription factors play important roles in response to phosphorus deficiency stress in plants. In this study, we isolated a gene related to the plant phosphorus signaling system from the acid-soil-resistant centipede-grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro] Hack.), termed EoPHR2. The subcellular localization of EoPHR2 protein was observed to be nuclear located. The expression patterns of EoPHR2 in different tissues and Al/Pi-stress con-ditions were analyzed by qRT-PCR, they suggested a potential role in response to the multiple-stress under acid soil adversity. Based on the functional identification through transgenic plants, we found that (1) EoPHR2 is involved in the Pi-signaling pathway, and (2) overexpression of EoPHR2 mimics Pi-star vation signalling resulting on enhanced roots whether under Pi-deficiency stress or not. In conclusion, EoPHR2 transcription factor plays a role in response to the multiple stresses under acid soil conditions, improving the low-phosphorus stress resis-tance of Eremochloa ophiuroides.