Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of NRT Gene Family in Suaeda glauca

Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and stress resistance and is primarily absorbed and transported by nitrate transporters (NRT). <i>Suaeda glauca</i>, known for its strong salt-alkali stress resistance, and <i>SgNRT</i> genes have rarely been reported. This study aims to identify and analyze the <i>SgNRT</i> gene family to understand its composition, evolutionary patterns, and roles in salt stress responses. We identified 212 SgNRTs, which were categorized into three branches, with <i>SgNRT1/SgNPF</i> and <i>SgNRT2</i> as the major families. Structural analysis, conserved domains, chromosomal localization, and collinearity were also examined. Spatiotemporal expression characteristics of <i>SgNRT</i> genes were analyzed, revealing specific expression across 13 organs or tissues and dynamic responses to salt treatment over 48 h. Notably, <i>SgNRT1.185</i>, <i>SgNRT2.25,</i> and <i>SgNRT2.2</i> exhibited rapid salt induction in leaves (activated within 0.5 h, peaking at 2 h), with <i>SgNRT1.185</i> showing relatively high upregulation. <i>SgNRT1.185</i> and <i>SgNRT2.35</i> were induced by high salt concentrations (200 mM) in both roots and leaves. <i>SgNRT2.35</i> exhibited higher basal and stress-induced levels than the other genes. Bioinformatics analysis suggests spatially specific expression of <i>SgNRT</i> genes, potentially involved in nitrogen absorption and transport across various developmental stages and organs/tissues of <i>Suaeda glauca</i>. These findings offer a theoretical basis for understanding the adaptive strategies of <i>Suaeda glauca</i> under saline-alkali stress and provide insights into the functional evolution of plant <i>NRT</i> genes, aiding in the development of stress-resistant crops.