TaPHT1;9 Phosphate Transporter Mediates Selenite Absorption in Wheat

Selenium (Se) is an essential human micronutrient, primarily obtained through the food supply. Recent studies have indicated that phosphate transporters (PHTs) mediate the absorption of selenite in plants. However, specific PHTs in wheat involved in selenite uptake have not been identified. Herein, we detected the significant upregulation of TaPHT1;9 in response to Se treatment, and its complementary expression in a yeast mutant enhanced Se adsorption. CRISPR-edited TaPHT1;9 wheat mutants showed increased biomass and decreased Se content under selenite treatment. Conversely, the TaPHT1;9 ectopic expression transgenic rice plants exhibited weaker growth phenotypes and greater Se accumulation in comparison to WT control plants under both hydroponic and soil conditions. In addition, the grains of the wheat varieties carrying TaPHT1;9 Se-efficient elite haplotype (Hap3) had higher Se content than non-excellent haplotype wheat varieties. Overall, these results suggest that TaPHT1;9 mediates selenite uptake and can be a potential candidate gene for Se-enriched wheat breeding.