Cadmium and zinc activate adaptive mechanisms in Nicotiana tabacum similar to those observed in metal tolerant plants

Reducing Cd and Pb Accumulation in Potatoes: The Role of Soil Passivators in Contaminated Mining Soils

This work aimed to explore safe techniques for the utilization of farmland surrounding mining areas contaminated with heavy metals-specifically cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)-in order to achieve food security in agricultural production. A potato variety (Qingshu 9) with high Cd and Pb accumulation was used as the test crop, and seven treatments were set up: control (CK), special potato fertilizer (T1), humic acid (T2), special potato fertilizer + humic acid (T3), biochar (T4), calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer (T5), and biochar + calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer (T6). The remediation effect of the combined application of different passivators on the accumulation of cadmium and lead in potatoes in the contaminated soil of a mining area was studied. The results showed that, compared with CK, all passivator treatments improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil and reduced the available Cd and Pb content in the soil and in different parts of potatoes. The T6 treatment yielded the most significant reduction in the available Cd and Pb content in the soil, the Cd and Pb content in the potato pulp, and the enrichment factor (BCF) and transfer factor (TF) of the potatoes. Compared with T4 and T5, the content of available Cd in the soil decreased by 1.22% and 4.71%, respectively; the soil available Pb content decreased by 3.13% and 3.02%, respectively; the Cd content in the potato pulp decreased by 68.08% and 31.02%, respectively; and the Pb content decreased by 31.03% and 20.00%, respectively. The results showed that the application of biochar combined with calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer had a better effect in terms of reducing the available Cd and Pb content in the soil and the Cd and Pb content in the potato flesh compared to their individual application. Biochar and calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer can synergistically increase the content of soil available nutrients and reduce the activity of heavy metals in the soil to prevent the transfer and accumulation of cadmium and lead to potatoes, as well as improve their yield and quality. The results of this study provide technical support for safe potato planting and agricultural soil management.

Variety-dependent responses of common tobacco with differential cadmium resistance: Cadmium uptake and distribution, antioxidative activity, and gene expression

Cadmium (Cd), which accumulates in tobacco leaves, enters the human body through inhalation of smoke, causing harmful effects on health. Therefore, identifying the pivotal factors that govern the absorption and resistance of Cd in tobacco is crucial for mitigating the harmful impact of Cd. In the present study, four different Cd-sensitive varieties, namely, ZhongChuan208 (ZC) with resistance, ZhongYan100 (ZY), K326 with moderate resistance, and YunYan87 (YY) with sensitivity, were cultivated in hydroponic with different Cd concentrations (20 µM, 40 µM, 60 µM and 80 µM). The results indicated that plant growth was significantly decreased by Cd. Irrespective of the Cd concentration, ZC exhibited the highest biomass, while YY had the lowest biomass; ZY and K326 showed intermediate levels. Enzymatic (APX, CAT, POD) and nonenzymatic antioxidant (Pro, GSH) systems showed notable variations among varieties. The multifactor analysis suggested that the ZC and ZY varieties, with higher levels of Pro and GSH content, contribute to a decrease in the levels of MDA and ROS. Among all the Cd concentrations, ZC exhibited the lowest Cd accumulation, while YY showed the highest. Additionally, there were significant differences observed in Cd distribution and translocation factors among the four different varieties. In terms of Cd distribution, cell wall Cd accounted for the highest proportion of total Cd, and organelles had the lowest proportion. Among the varieties, ZC showed lower Cd levels in the cell wall, soluble fraction, and organelles. Conversely, YY exhibited the highest Cd accumulation in all tissues; K326 and ZY had intermediate levels. Translocation factors (TF) varied among the varieties under Cd stress, with ZC and ZY showing lower TF compared to YY and K326. This phenomenon mainly attributed to regulation of the NtNramp3 and NtNramp5 genes, which are responsible for the absorption and transport of Cd. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the selection and breeding of tobacco varieties that are resistant to or accumulate less Cd.

Two novel transporters NtNRAMP6a and NtNRAMP6b are involved in cadmium transport in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Plant natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) plays important roles in metal transport and tolerance. Tobacco is a typical cadmium (Cd) accumulator, while research on NRAMP in tobacco has been limited. In the current study, two novel NRAMP genes (NtNRAMP6a and NtNRAMP6b) were identified from the allotetraploid plant Nicotiana tabacum L. Real time‒PCR and GUS (β-glucuronidase) staining results showed that the two genes were expressed in roots, stems, leaves and flowers and induced by Cd stress. Subcellular localization revealed that they were located in the plasma membrane. Heterologously expressed NtNRAMP6a and NtNRAMP6b significantly increased the Cd sensitivity of the Δycf1 mutant, indicating that NtNRAMP6a and NtNRAMP6b had Cd transport functions in yeast. The difference in the manganese (Mn) transport activity of the two genes was demonstrated by point mutation, which was caused by the difference in the 18th amino acid. NRAMP6-N18K is a new key active site for manganese transport. After 50 μM Cd treatment for 7 days, the contents of Cd and Mn of the ntnramp6a/6b mutants was significantly lower than those of wild type in shoots, while the contents in roots were higher. Additionally, the mutant lines showed higher chorphyll contentration and lighter leaf damage. Knockout of NtNRAMP6a and NtNRAMP6b reduced Cd and Mn accumulation in tobacco shoots by influence root-to-shoot translocation. This provides new idea for cultivating tobacco varieties with low cadmium accumulation and high cadmium tolerance.

Combined transcriptome and proteome analysis revealed the molecular regulation mechanisms of zinc homeostasis and antioxidant machinery in tobacco in response to different zinc supplies

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plants. Adequate regulation of Zn uptake, transport and distribution, and adaptation to Zn-deficiency stress or Zn-excess toxicity are crucial for plant growth and development. However, little has been done to understand the molecular responses of plants toward different Zn supply levels. In the present study, we investigated the growth and physiological responses of tobacco seedlings grown under Zn-completely deficient, Zn-limiting, Zn-normal, and Zn-4-fold sufficient conditions, respectively, and demonstrated that Zn deficiency/limitation caused oxidative stress and impaired growth of tobacco plants. Combined transcriptome and proteome analysis revealed up-regulation of genes/proteins associated with Zn uptake and distribution, including ZIPs, NAS3s, and HMA1s, and up-regulation of genes/proteins involved in regulation of oxidative stress, including SODs, APX1s, GPX6, and GSTs in tobacco seedlings in response to Zn deficiency/limitation, suggesting that tobacco possessed mechanisms to regulate Zn homeostasis primarily through up-regulation of the ZIPs-NAS3s module, and to alleviate Zn deficiency/limitation-induced oxidative stress through activation of the antioxidant machinery. Our results provide novel insights into the adaptive mechanisms of tobacco in response to different Zn supplies, and would lay a theoretical foundation for development of varieties of tobacco or its relatives with high tolerance to Zn-deficiency.

Involvement of NO in V-ATPase Regulation in Cucumber Roots under Control and Cadmium Stress Conditions

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that participates in plant adaptation to adverse environmental factors. This study aimed to clarify the role of NO in the regulation of vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) in the roots of cucumber seedlings grown under control and Cd stress conditions. In addition, the relationship between NO and salicylic acid (SA), as well as their interrelations with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), have been verified. The effect of NO on V-ATPase was studied by analyzing two enzyme activities, the expression level of selected VHA genes and the protein level of selected VHA subunits in plants treated with a NO donor (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) and NO biosynthesis inhibitors (tungstate, WO42- and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME). Our results indicate that NO functions as a positive regulator of V-ATPase and that this regulation depends on NO generated by nitrate reductase and NOS-like activity. It was found that the mechanism of NO action is not related to changes in the gene expression or protein level of the V-ATPase subunits. The results suggest that in cucumber roots, NO signaling interacts with the SA pathway and, to a lesser extent, with two other known V-ATPase regulators, H2O2 and H2S.

Phytoremediation as an Effective Remedy for Removing Trace Elements from Ecosystems

The pollution of soil by trace elements is a global problem. Conventional methods of soil remediation are often inapplicable, so it is necessary to search intensively for innovative and environment-friendly techniques for cleaning up ecosystems, such as phytoremediation. Basic research methods, their strengths and weaknesses, and the effects of microorganisms on metallophytes and plant endophytes resistant to trace elements (TEs) were summarised and described in this manuscript. Prospectively, bio-combined phytoremediation with microorganisms appears to be an ideal, economically viable and environmentally sound solution. The novelty of the work is the description of the potential of "green roofs" to contribute to the capture and accumulation of many metal-bearing and suspended dust and other toxic compounds resulting from anthropopressure. Attention was drawn to the great potential of using phytoremediation on less contaminated soils located along traffic routes and urban parks and green spaces. It also focused on the supportive treatments for phytoremediation using genetic engineering, sorbents, phytohormones, microbiota, microalgae or nanoparticles and highlighted the important role of energy crops in phytoremediation. Perceptions of phytoremediation on different continents are also presented, and new international perspectives are presented. Further development of phytoremediation requires much more funding and increased interdisciplinary research in this direction.

Tobacco as an efficient metal accumulator

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an important industrial crop plant. However, it efficiently accumulates metals, primarily cadmium (Cd) and also zinc (Zn), in its leaves. Therefore, it could be a source of cadmium intake by smokers. On the other hand, as a high leaf metal accumulator, it is widely used for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soil. Both issues provide an important rationale for investigating the processes regulating metal homeostasis in tobacco. This work summarizes the results of research to date on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms determining the effective uptake of Zn and Cd, their translocation into shoots and accumulation in leaves. It also discusses the current state of research to improve the phytoremediation properties of tobacco through genetic modification and to limit leaf Cd content for the tobacco industry.

Sulfate supplementation affects nutrient and photosynthetic status of Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum differently under prolonged exposure to cadmium

Hydroponic experiments were performed to examine the effect of prolonged sulfate limitation combined with cadmium (Cd) exposure in Arabidopsis thaliana and a potential Cd hyperaccumulator, Nicotiana tabacum. Low sulfate treatments (20 and 40 µM MgSO₄) and Cd stress (4 µM CdCl₂) showed adverse effects on morphology, photosynthetic and biochemical parameters and the nutritional status of both species. For example, Cd stress decreased NO₃^- root content under 20 µM MgSO₄ to approximately 50% compared with respective controls. Interestingly, changes in many measured parameters, such as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, the concentrations of anions, nutrients and Cd, induced by low sulfate supply, Cd exposure or a combination of both factors, were species-specific. Our data showed opposing effects of Cd exposure on Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn levels in roots of the studied plants. In A. thaliana, levels of glutathione, phytochelatins and glucosinolates demonstrated their distinct involvement in response to sub-optimal growth conditions and Cd stress. In shoot, the levels of phytochelatins and glucosinolates in the organic sulfur fraction were not dependent on sulfate supply under Cd stress. Altogether, our data showed both common and species-specific features of the complex plant response to prolonged sulfate deprivation and/or Cd exposure.

The interdependent transport of yeast vacuole Ca2+ and H+ and the role of phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate

Yeast vacuoles are acidified by the v-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) that is comprised of the membrane embedded VO complex and the soluble cytoplasmic V1 complex. The assembly of the V1-VO holoenzyme on the vacuole is stabilized in part through interactions between the VO a-subunit ortholog Vph1 and the lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2). PI(3,5)P2 also affects vacuolar Ca2+ release through the channel Yvc1 and uptake through the Ca2+ pump Pmc1. Here, we asked if H+ and Ca2+ transport activities were connected through PI(3,5)P2. We found that overproduction of PI(3,5)P2 by the hyperactive fab1T2250A mutant augmented vacuole acidification, whereas the kinase-inactive fab1EEE mutant attenuated the formation of a H+ gradient. Separately, we tested the effects of excess Ca2+ on vacuole acidification. Adding micromolar Ca2+ blocked vacuole acidification, whereas chelating Ca2+ accelerated acidification. The effect of adding Ca2+ on acidification was eliminated when the Ca2+/H+ antiporter Vcx1 was absent, indicating that the vacuolar H+ gradient can collapse during Ca2+ stress through Vcx1 activity. This, however, was independent of PI(3,5)P2, suggesting that PI(3,5)P2 plays a role in submicromolar Ca2+ flux but not under Ca2+ shock. To see if the link between Ca2+ and H+ transport was bidirectional, we examined Ca2+ transport when vacuole acidification was inhibited. We found that Ca2+ transport was inhibited by halting V-ATPase activity with Bafilomycin or neutralizing vacuolar pH with chloroquine. Together, these data show that Ca2+ transport and V-ATPase efficacy are connected but not necessarily through PI(3,5)P2.

The Plant V-ATPase

V-ATPase is the dominant proton pump in plant cells. It contributes to cytosolic pH homeostasis and energizes transport processes across endomembranes of the secretory pathway. Its localization in the trans Golgi network/early endosomes is essential for vesicle transport, for instance for the delivery of cell wall components. Furthermore, it is crucial for response to abiotic and biotic stresses. The V-ATPase's rather complex structure and multiple subunit isoforms enable high structural flexibility with respect to requirements for different organs, developmental stages, and organelles. This complexity further demands a sophisticated assembly machinery and transport routes in cells, a process that is still not fully understood. Regulation of V-ATPase is a target of phosphorylation and redox-modifications but also involves interactions with regulatory proteins like 14-3-3 proteins and the lipid environment. Regulation by reversible assembly, as reported for yeast and the mammalian enzyme, has not be proven in plants but seems to be absent in autotrophic cells. Addressing the regulation of V-ATPase is a promising approach to adjust its activity for improved stress resistance or higher crop yield.

Current progress in plant V-ATPase: From biochemical properties to physiological functions

Vacuolar-type adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase, VHA) is a highly conserved, ATP-driven multisubunit proton pump that is widely distributed in all eukaryotic cells. V-ATPase consists of two domains formed by at least 13 different subunits, the membrane peripheral V₁ domain responsible for ATP hydrolysis, and the membrane-integral V₀ domain responsible for proton translocation. V-ATPase plays an essential role in energizing secondary active transport and is indispensable to plants. In addition to multiple stress responses, plant V-ATPase is also implicated in physiological processes such as growth, development, and morphogenesis. Based on the identification of distinct V-ATPase mutants and advances in luminal pH measurements in vivo, it has been revealed that this holoenzyme complex plays a pivotal role in pH homeostasis of the plant endomembrane system and endocytic and secretory trafficking. Here, we review recent progress in comprehending the biochemical properties and physiological functions of plant V-ATPase and explore the topics that require further elucidation.

Phosphorus Starvation- and Zinc Excess-Induced Astragalus sinicus AsZIP2 Zinc Transporter Is Suppressed by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most essential micronutrients for plant growth and metabolism, but Zn excess can impair many basic metabolic processes in plant cells. In agriculture, crops often experience low phosphate (Pi) and high Zn double nutrient stresses because of inordinate agro-industrial activities, while the dual benefit of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi protects plants from experiencing both deficient and toxic nutrient stresses. Although crosstalk between Pi and Zn nutrients in plants have been extensively studied at the physiological level, the molecular basis of how Pi starvation triggers Zn over-accumulation in plants and how AM plants coordinately modulate the Pi and Zn nutrient homeostasis remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that a novel AsZIP2 gene, a Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus) member of the ZIP gene family, participates in the interaction between Pi and Zn nutrient homeostasis in plants. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this AsZIP2 protein was closely related to the orthologous Medicago MtZIP2 and Arabidopsis AtZIP2 transporters. Gene expression analysis indicated that AsZIP2 was highly induced in roots by Pi starvation or Zn excess yet attenuated by arbuscular mycorrhization in a Pi-dependent manner. Subcellular localization and heterologous expression experiments further showed that AsZIP2 encoded a functional plasma membrane-localized transporter that mediated Zn uptake in yeast. Moreover, overexpression of AsZIP2 in A. sinicus resulted in the over-accumulation of Zn concentration in roots at low Pi or excessive Zn concentrations, whereas AsZIP2 silencing lines displayed an even more reduced Zn concentration than control lines under such conditions. Our results reveal that the AsZIP2 transporter functioned in Zn over-accumulation in roots during Pi starvation or high Zn supply but was repressed by AM symbiosis in a Pi-dependent manner. These findings also provide new insights into the AsZIP2 gene acting in the regulation of Zn homeostasis in mycorrhizal plants through Pi signal.

Genome-wide identification and function analysis of HMAD gene family in cotton (Gossypium spp.)

BACKGROUND

The abiotic stress such as soil salinization and heavy metal toxicity has posed a major threat to sustainable crop production worldwide. Previous studies revealed that halophytes were supposed to tolerate other stress including heavy metal toxicity. Though HMAD (heavy-metal-associated domain) was reported to play various important functions in Arabidopsis, little is known in Gossypium.

RESULTS

A total of 169 G. hirsutum genes were identified belonging to the HMAD gene family with the number of amino acids ranged from 56 to 1011. Additionally, 84, 76 and 159 HMAD genes were identified in each G. arboreum, G. raimondii and G. barbadense, respectively. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the HMAD gene family were divided into five classes, and 87 orthologs of HMAD genes were identified in four Gossypium species, such as genes Gh_D08G1950 and Gh_A08G2387 of G. hirsutum are orthologs of the Gorai.004G210800.1 and Cotton_A_25987 gene in G. raimondii and G. arboreum, respectively. In addition, 15 genes were lost during evolution. Furthermore, conserved sequence analysis found the conserved catalytic center containing an anion binding (CXXC) box. The HMAD gene family showed a differential expression levels among different tissues and developmental stages in G. hirsutum with the different cis-elements for abiotic stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Current study provided important information about HMAD family genes under salt-stress in Gossypium genome, which would be useful to understand its putative functions in different species of cotton.

Suppression of NtZIP4A/B Changes Zn and Cd Root-to-Shoot Translocation in a Zn/Cd Status-Dependent Manner

In tobacco, the efficiency of Zn translocation to shoots depends on Zn/Cd status. Previous studies pointed to the specific contribution of root parts in the regulation of this process, as well as the role of NtZIP4A/B (from the ZIP family; Zrt Irt-like Proteins). Here, to verify this hypothesis, NtZIP4A/B RNAi lines were generated. Then, in plants exposed to combinations of Zn and Cd concentrations in the medium, the consequences of NtZIP4A/B suppression for the translocation of both metals were determined. Furthermore, the apical, middle, and basal root parts were examined for accumulation of both metals, for Zn localization (using Zinpyr-1), and for modifications of the expression pattern of ZIP genes. Our results confirmed the role of NtZIP4A/B in the control of Zn/Cd-status-dependent transfer of both metals to shoots. Furthermore, they indicated that the middle and basal root parts contributed to the regulation of this process by acting as a reservoir for excess Zn and Cd. Expression studies identified several candidate ZIP genes that interact with NtZIP4A/B in the root in regulating Zn and Cd translocation to the shoot, primarily NtZIP1-like in the basal root part and NtZIP2 in the middle one.

Comparative analysis of the seed germination of pakchoi and its phytoremediation efficacy combined with chemical amendment in four polluted soils

The seed germination plant growth parameters and level of heavy metal accumulation were investigated in pakchoi cultured in four contaminated soils with different levels of heavy metals supplemented with citric acid (CA) or calcium phosphate (CP). Results showed that the seed germination energy, germination percentage and germination index parameters were similar, while the seed vigor (SV) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased as the soil pollution level increased. The lengths of the shoots and roots presented the same trend as SV. All the seedlings grew in heavily polluted soil without any amendments before harvesting; therefore, no plant material was available for subsequent analyses. The photosynthesis parameters of pakchoi cultured in lightly polluted soil without amendment (LPS), lightly polluted soil with CA (LPSA) and moderately polluted soil with CP (MPSP) were similar. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cd in the shoots, roots and whole plants were in the order of MPSP > LPSA > LPS. Pakchoi cultured in MPSP showed the most promising results in terms of plant height, biomass and heavy metal accumulation. Pakchoi presented the highest translocation and bioaccumulation factors for Cd and the lowest for Pb.HighlightsSoil pollution and the type of chemical amendment had no effect on the seed germination of pakchoi.Citric acid addition in lightly polluted soil improved pakchoi growth and heavy metal extraction.Pakchoi cultured in moderately polluted soil with calcium phosphate amendment presented the highest biomass and heavy metal concentration.

Cadmium excretion via leaf hydathodes in tall fescue and its phytoremediation potential

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of the soil is one of the most serious environmental problems of agricultural production. Phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention because it can safely remove the soil contaminates via plant uptake, accumulations and plant harvesting. However, the high Cd toxicity to plant tissues and treatment of the large amount of hazardous plant residues from phytoremediation have limited its commercial implementation. Here we show that the leaves of the tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) can excrete Cd out to avoid Cd toxicity in plant tissues. Cd specific fluorescence spectroscopy with laser confocal scanning microscope, screening electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy and guttation fluids analysis confirmed that leaf hydathodes were the pathway of Cd excretion in tall fescue. Element analysis showed that Cd was preferentially excreted out when compared to the ion nutrients. The amount of leaf Cd excretion was linearly increased in response to the Cd stress period. The phytoremediation efficiency was evaluated to remove 14.4% of soil Cd annually by the leaf Cd excretion in our experimental system. These findings indicate that a novel strategy of Cd phytoexcretion based on washing-off and collection of leaf surface Cd is feasible to avoid Cd toxic in plant tissues and the high treatment cost of hazardous plant residues.

Opportunities and challenges in the remediation of metal-contaminated soils by using tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.): a critical review

The successful phytoextraction of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from polluted soils can be achieved by growing non-food and industrial crops. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is one of the main industrial crops and is widely grown in many countries. Tobacco can uptake high concentrations of PTEs especially in aboveground biomass without suffering from toxicity. This review highlighted the potential of tobacco for the phytoextraction of heavy metals and tolerance mechanisms under metal stress. Different management practices have been discussed which can enhance the potential of this plant for metal extraction. Finally, suitable options for the management/disposal of biomass enriched in excess metal have been elaborated to prevent secondary pollution.

Interactive effects of As, Cd and Zn on their uptake and oxidative stress in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata

The effects of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on each other's uptake and oxidative stress in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata were investigated. P. vittata plants were exposed to 50 μM As, Cd and/or Zn for 15 d in 0.2-strength Hoagland solution. When applied alone, P. vittata accumulated 185 mg kg^-1 As, 164 mg kg^-1 Cd and 327 mg kg^-1 Zn in the fronds. While Cd and Zn did not impact each other's uptake, As affected Cd and Zn uptake. Whereas As decreased Zn uptake, Zn affected As speciation in P. vittata fronds, with more arsenate (AsV) than arsenite (AsIII) being present. At 50 μM As, 75 μM Zn increased As accumulation in P. vittata fronds by 10 folds to 2363 mg kg^-1 compared to 50 μM Zn. Although AsV was the predominant As species in all tissues, Cd enhanced AsIII levels in the fronds but increased AsV in the roots. Co-exposure of Cd + Zn elevated oxidative stress basing on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, H₂O₂ content, Evans blue dye uptake, membrane injury index and reactive oxygen species (ROS) relative to single metal. By lowering Cd and Zn concentrations in P. vittata fronds, As reduced the associated stress comparative to Cd or Zn treatment. The results enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between As, Cd and Zn in As-hyperaccumulator P. vittata.

Non-invasive microelectrode cadmium flux measurements reveal the decrease of cadmium uptake by zinc supply in pakchoi root (Brassica chinensis L.)

Zinc (Zn) possesses similar properties to cadmium (Cd) and inhibits Cd uptake in plants. To get more detailed mechanisms of Zn-inhibited Cd uptake in pakchoi, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of various Zn levels on Cd concentrations, real time flux of Cd, expressions of genes related to Cd uptake under Cd exposure. The results showed that the Cd concentrations and Cd accumulations in pakchoi root decreased with increasing Zn levels, which were coincident with that real time Cd influx and net Cd influx of pakchoi root decreased with increasing Zn levels by non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT). Additionally, the expressions of Cd-related transporters including BcNRAMP5, BcIRT1 and BcMGT1 decreased with the increase of Zn levels under Cd exposure, especially BcIRT1 with the highest decreased rates. Furthermore, the expressions of these genes decreased gradually with the prolongation of Zn treated time under Cd toxicity. The results indicate that Zn inhibits Cd uptake by inhibition of the expressions of Cd-related transporters, especially BcIRT1 in pakchoi root.

Ralstonia eutropha Q2-8 reduces wheat plant above-ground tissue cadmium and arsenic uptake and increases the expression of the plant root cell wall organization and biosynthesis-related proteins

In this study, the molecular mechanisms involved in Ralstonia eutropha Q2-8-induced increased biomass and reduced cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) uptake in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum cv. Yangmai 16) were investigated in growth chambers. Strain Q2-8 significantly increased plant biomass (22-75%) without and with Cd (5 μM) + As (10 μM) stress and reduced plant above-ground tissue Cd (37%) and As (34%) contents compared to those in the controls. Strain Q2-8 significantly increased the proportions of Cd and As in wheat root cell walls. Under Cd and As stress, 109 root proteins were differentially expressed among which those involved in metabolisms, stress and defence, and energy were dominant in the presence of strain Q2-8. Furthermore, energy-, defence-, and cell wall biosynthesis-related proteins were found to be up-regulated. Notably, differentially expressed cell wall biosynthesis-related proteins in roots were only found in bacteria-inoculated plants under Cd and As stress. The results suggest that strain Q2-8 can alleviate Cd and As toxicity to wheat plant seedlings and reduce above-ground tissue Cd and As uptake by increasing the efficiency of root energy metabolism, defence, and cell wall biosynthesis under Cd and As stress.

Physiology and selected genes expression under cadmium stress in Arundo donax L

The effects of cadmium stress (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) on morpho-physiological features and selected genes (carotenoid hydroxilase, amidase, GR, bHLH, NRAMP and YSL) expression were demonstrated in Arundo donax L. The plants were assessed for Cd uptake and its effects on chlorophyll and antioxidants after 30 days of exposure. The expression of genes conferring metal tolerance was evaluated after 10 days of Cd exposure. The results showed a maximum Cd uptake in roots (872 mg/kg) followed by stem (734 mg/kg) and leaves (298 mg/kg) at highest supplied Cd concentration. The Cd uptake reduced dry weight, Chla, Chlb, and total Chl contents of giant reed. The SOD, CAT, POD activities and MDA content increased at the maximum Cd concentration over control. The highest genes expression for carotenoid hydroxylase, glutathione reductase and amidase was observed in plants exposed to 100 mg/L. However, differential bHLH gene expression and slightly increased gene expression of NRAMP was noted for different Cd treatments. Amidase expressed under Cd stress which is pioneer report in A. donax. These results provided insights into the mechanisms of A. donax tolerance and survival under Cd Stress.

Temporal variations and spatial distributions of heavy metals in a wastewater-irrigated soil-eggplant system and associated influencing factors

Heavy metal pollution in farmlands is highly concerned as crops' easy-uptake of heavy metal can ultimately affect consumers. In order to offer suggestions on cultivating safe quality vegetable, specifically eggplant which is widely consumed for its nutritional value and antioxidant activity, a field study was undertaken to investigate the temporal variations and spatial distributions of heavy metals in a wastewater-irrigated soil-eggplant system. In the present study, eggplants were planted in the farmlands of Weichuan village (WC) (relatively unpolluted field), Liangzhuang village (LZ) (moderately polluted field) and Minqin village (MQ) (seriously polluted field) to elucidate their temporal uptake processes of heavy metals described by the sigmoid model. Eggplant tissues from severely polluted farmlands were found with higher heavy metal concentrations and lower yields compared with other two groups. What is more, 25 farmlands along the Dongdagou stream (heavy metals polluted stream) were chosen to analyze the spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils and eggplants. Heavy metal concentrations in eggplants decreased with the decline of heavy metal concentrations in soil from upstream (pollution source) to downstream. Moreover, several methods were employed to assess bioavailability of heavy metals in soils. All the bioavailable heavy metals were found in linear positive correlations with heavy metal concentrations. Meanwhile, linear correlations were found between heavy metals in soils and eggplants. At last, redundancy analysis was used to investigate the effects of soil properties (pH, organic matter and texture of soils) and heavy metals on eggplants' uptake. The results indicated that soil heavy metals had a dominant impact on their accumulations in eggplant fruit, with a variance contribution of 78.0%, while soil properties had a regulatory effect, with a variance contribution of 5.2%.

Contribution of NtZIP1-Like to the Regulation of Zn Homeostasis

Tobacco has frequently been suggested as a candidate plant species for use in phytoremediation of metal contaminated soil but knowledge on the regulation of its metal-homeostasis is still in the infancy. To identify new tobacco metal transport genes that are involved in Zn homeostasis a bioinformatics study using the tobacco genome information together with expression analysis was performed. Ten new tobacco metal transport genes from the ZIP, NRAMP, MTP, and MRP/ABCC families were identified with expression levels in leaves that were modified by exposure to Zn excess. Following exposure to high Zn there was upregulation of NtZIP11-like, NtNRAMP3, three isoforms of NtMTP2, three MRP/ABCC genes (NtMRP5-like, NtMRP10-like, and NtMRP14 like) and downregulation of NtZIP1-like and NtZIP4. This suggests their involvement in several processes governing the response to Zn-related stress and in the efficiency of Zn accumulation (uptake, sequestration, and redistribution). Further detailed analysis of NtZIP1-like provided evidence that it is localized at the plasma membrane and is involved in Zn but not Fe and Cd transport. NtZIP1-like is expressed in the roots and shoots, and is regulated developmentally and in a tissue-specific manner. It is highly upregulated by Zn deficiency in the leaves and the root basal region but not in the root apical zone (region of maturation and absorption containing root hairs). Thus NtZIP1-like is unlikely to be responsible for Zn uptake by the root apical region but rather in the uptake by root cells within the already mature basal zone. It is downregulated by Zn excess suggesting it is involved in a mechanism to protect the root and leaf cells from accumulating excess Zn.