Structural basis of cytokinin transport by the Arabidopsis AZG2

Hong Wei, Zhisen Yang, Huihui Liu, Wei Ying, Yongxiang Gao, Lizhe Zhu (), Xin Liu () and Linfeng Sun ()
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Hong Wei: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhisen Yang: University of Science and Technology of China
Huihui Liu: Shenzhen
Wei Ying: University of Science and Technology of China
Yongxiang Gao: University of Science and Technology of China
Lizhe Zhu: Shenzhen
Xin Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Linfeng Sun: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Cytokinins are adenine derivatives serving as phytohormones, which are essential regulators of plant growth, development, and response to environmental factors. The transport process of cytokinins determines their spatial distributions and is critical to their functions. The AZA-GUANINE RESISTANT (AZG) family member AZG2 in Arabidopsis thaliana has been identified as a cytokinin and purine transporter. Here, we characterize the binding and transport of AZG2 towards the natural cytokinin, trans-zeatin (tZ), as well as adenine. AZG2 structures are determined in both the substrate-unbound, adenine-bound, and tZ-bound states, under both acidic and neutral pH. Key residues involved in substrate binding are identified. Two distinct conformations are observed in the tZ-bound state of AZG2 in the neutral pH. Structural analysis reveals the structural dynamics of AZG2 during cytokinin transport, which fit into the elevator-type transport model. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanism of cytokinin transport in plants.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58802-6

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