Nitrogen compounds transporters: candidates to increase the protein content in soybean seeds

The yield and protein content of soybean seeds are challenging traits for breeding since they have a negative correlation. To solve this issue, it is essential to understand the protein transport in soybean seeds. Here we performed an analysis of 3 datasets containing transcriptional data from soybean seeds and pods, without any treatment, aiming to select genes related to the transport of organic nitrogen compounds. We identified 69 transporters, and among them, seven were chosen to be validated by qRT-PCR. Seeds and pods of soybean cultivars BRS 232 and BRS 284, respectively, presenting higher and lower protein content, were assayed under normal growth condition. Results showed in BRS 232 soybean cultivar, a positive correlation between seed protein content and gene expression for five out of the seven genes analyzed. These nitrogen compounds transporters can play an essential role in the storage of proteins, thus increases the protein content of soybean seeds and contributes to the decrease the negative correlation between yield and protein content of soybean seeds.