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BACKGROUND: Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) deficiencies cause serious problems in crop growth and development, as well as in human nutrition. This issue may be addressed by enhancing the absorption and accumulation of micronutrients in the grains of various crops through genetic breeding. Previous studies have shown that the vacuolar iron transporter (VIT) is involved in Fe transport and accumulation in plants. RESULTS: In this study, three homologous genes - TaVIT1.2-(A, B, and D) - were isolated from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and functionally characterized. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that the transcript levels of TaVIT1.2 in the shoots and roots of wheat seedlings increased under Fe and Mn treatments. Heterologous expression of TaVIT1.2-A and D in yeast, Arabidopsis, and rice enhanced their tolerance of Fe and Mn. Additionally, the Fe and Mn concentrations in the husks and grains of mature brown rice were significantly greater in transgenic lines than in wild-type rice. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates that TaVIT1.2, as an Fe and Mn transporter, may improve Fe and Mn tolerance in yeast and plants, as well as enhance Fe and Mn accumulation in rice grains. This transporter may be a good candidate for enhancing Fe and Mn nutrition in grains for the biofortification of crops. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
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