Auxin efflux carrier ZmPIN1a modulates auxin reallocation involved in nitrate-mediated root formation

BACKGROUND: Auxin plays a crucial role in nitrate (NO(3)(–))-mediated root architecture, and it is still unclear that if NO(3)(–) supply modulates auxin reallocation for regulating root formation in maize (Zea mays L.). This study was conducted to investigate the role of auxin efflux carrier ZmPIN1a in the root formation in response to NO(3)(–) supply. RESULTS: Low NO(3)(–) (LN) promoted primary root (PR) elongation, while repressed the development of lateral root primordia (LRP) and total root length. LN modulated auxin levels and polar transport and regulated the expression of auxin-responsive and -signaling genes in roots. Moreover, LN up-regulated the expression level of ZmPIN1a, and overexpression of ZmPIN1a enhanced IAA efflux and accumulation in PR tip, while repressed IAA accumulation in LRP initiation zone, which consequently induced LN-mediated PR elongation and LR inhibition. The inhibition rate of PR length, LRP density and number of ZmPIN1a-OE plants was higher than that of wild-type plants after auxin transport inhibitor NPA treatment under NN and LN conditions, and the degree of inhibition of root growth in ZmPIN1a-OE plants was more obvious under LN condition. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ZmPIN1a was involved in modulating auxin levels and transport to alter NO(3)(–)-mediated root formation in maize. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-023-04087-0.