A mieze transporter responsible for the regulation of iron and zinc in
balance in maize was identified by a team of Chinese scientists. The
discovery provides opportunities for genetic resources and a theoretical
basis for developing iron-fortified corn varieties.

Scientists from the Biotechnology Research Institute and Qingdao
Agricultural University were responsible for identifying the novel
iron-regulated transporter/ZmIRT2/. The transporter was involved in
reversing growth defects involving both zinc and iron uptake in mutant
yeast. More importantly, its expression in maize caused zinc and iron
accumulation in the roots, shoots, and seeds. Further analysis showed
that/ZmIRT2/along with/ZmIRT1/and/ZmYS1/, other transporters, previously
identified by scientists, all function cooperatively to maintain zinc
and iron homeostasis, and that/ZmIRT2/and/ZmIRT1/function together to
mediate iron update in roots.

This discovery can help maize breeders understand the mechanism of iron
absorption in plants and lead to the development of better varieties
with high iron contents.

Mediation of Zinc and Iron Accumulation in Maize by ZmIRT2, A Novel
Iron-Regulated Transporter | Plant and Cell Physiology | Oxford Academic
(oup.com)
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