The object of this invention is to provide a novel protein that is an
Al-activated malate transporter of a plant, and to provide a gene
encoding the protein. To deal with this object, present invention
provides ALMT1-1 gene, a novel gene derived from wheat, and ALMT1-1
protein encoded by the gene. The ALMT1-1 protein is a protein functioning
as aluminum-activated malate transporter. As malate forms complex with Al
to inactivate the Al ion, the ALMT1-1 protein is involved in Al tolerance
of a plant. Therefore, Al tolerance can be rendered to a plant using the
ALMT1-1 gene that encodes the ALMT1-1 protein.