cDNA Library for Mining Functional Genes in Sedum alfredii Hance Related to Cadmium Tolerance and Characterization of the Roles of a Novel SaCTP2 Gene in Enhancing Cadmium Hyperaccumulation

Brassica rapa selenium transporter NPF2.20 (BrNPF2.20) accounts for Se-enrichment in Chinese cabbage

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for the human body and breeding highly Se-enriched Chinese cabbage varieties is an important means of addressing Se deficiency in individuals in certain regions. The genus Brassica has a strong ability to enrich Se; however, the primary molecular mechanism of Se enrichment remains unclear. We screened for high- and low-Se-enriched Chinese cabbage varieties from 39 different genotypes and identified a key candidate gene for Se enrichment, namely, BrNPF2.20 (BraA07g035670.3.1 C), located on the cell membrane. The expression level of BrNPF2.20 in the high-Se-enriched Chinese cabbage variety P2 was significantly higher than that in the low-Se-enriched variety P6. Heterologous expression of BrNPF2.20 increased the sensitivity of yeast to Se. The overexpression of BrNPF2.20 significantly increased the Se content in Arabidopsis plants, whereas silencing BrNPF2.20 in Chinese cabbage leaves reduced the Se content. Cell selenium mainly in the cell wall may be the physiological and biochemical mechanism of the high-Se-enriched vareity in response to selenium stress. BrNPF2.20 promoted the transport and accumulation of Se from root to shoot in Chinese cabbage maybe by increasing GSH-Px activity or regulating sulfate transporter family genes related to Se absorption and transport. This study not only deepens our understanding of Se transport from Chinese cabbage root to the ground part, but also provides a new idea for breeding Se-rich Chinese cabbage varieties by promoting SeMet transport.

Genome-wide identification of wheat USP gene family and functional dissection of TaUSP85 involved in heat tolerance

A collection of conserved proteins known as universal stress protein (USP) is present in a wide range of species, including plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals. USPs are named for their ability to respond to a variety of stress conditions, such as heat stroke, osmotic stress, nutrient limitation, and exposure to toxins or antibiotics. While the USP response to different stress conditions in plants has been reported, little is known about the USP family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In wheat, we identified 88 USP genes distributed across 21 chromosomes classified into four subfamilies. Phylogenetic tree and synteny analysis across multiple species revealed a highly conserved evolution of the USP family between monocots and dicots. Based on comparative analysis of protein domains, gene structure and conserved motifs, TaUSPs showed significant differences among the four subfamilies. Furthermore, expression pattern analysis of TaUSPs showed significant differences among various tissues and under different abiotic stress conditions. We further conducted transformation experiments with the TaUSP85 gene, which significantly enhanced yeast thermotolerance. Silencing of TaUSP85 through VIGS experiments in wheat resulted in significant wilting, decreased chlorophyll content, and increased MDA accumulation compared to control plants. The silenced plant lines had much more ROS accumulation than the control group, as determined by the findings of DAB and NBT staining. The interaction proteins TaUSP1 and TaUSP11 of TaUSP85 were screened by yeast two-hybrid and their interaction relationship was further verified by LCI. Overall, our findings enhance the comprehension of the USP gene family in wheat and provide a valuable resource for further investigation of these genes in wheat and related cereal crops.

Genome-wide analysis of WRKY gene family and the dynamic responses of key WRKY genes involved in cadmium stress in Brassica juncea

The WRKY transcription factors comprise one of the most extensive gene families and serve as pivotal regulators of plant responses to heavy metal stress. They contribute significantly to maintaining plant growth and development by enhancing plant tolerance. However, research on the role of WRKY genes in response to cadmium (Cd) stress in mustard is minimal. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of the mustard WRKY gene family using bioinformatics. The results revealed that 291 WRKY putative genes (BjuWRKYs) were identified in the mustard genome. These genes were categorized into seven subgroups (I, IIa-e and III) through phylogenetic analysis, with differences in motif composition between each subgroup. Homology analysis indicated that 31.62% of the genes originated from tandem duplication events. Promoter analysis revealed an abundance of abiotic stress-related elements and hormone-related elements within the BjuWRKY genes. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that most BjuWRKY genes exhibited differential expression patterns at different Cd treatment stages in mustard. Furthermore, 10 BjuWRKY genes were confirmed to respond to Cd stress through the construction of a BjuWRKY protein interaction network, prediction of hub genes, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis, indicating their potential involvement in Cd stress. Our findings provide a comprehensive insight into the WRKY gene family in mustard and establish a foundation for further studies of the functional roles of BjuWRKY genes in Cd stress response.

Molecular mechanisms regulating glucose metabolism in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds under drought stress

BACKGROUND

Abiotic stress seriously affects the growth and yield of crops. It is necessary to search and utilize novel abiotic stress resistant genes for 2.0 breeding programme in quinoa. In this study, the impact of drought stress on glucose metabolism were investigated through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses in quinoa seeds. Candidate drought tolerance genes on glucose metabolism pathway were verified by qRT-PCR combined with yeast expression system.

RESULTS

From 70 quinoa germplasms, drought tolerant material M059 and drought sensitive material M024 were selected by comprehensive evaluation of drought resistance. 7042 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were indentified through transcriptomic analyses. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these DEGs were closely related to carbohydrate metabolic process, phosphorus-containing groups, and intracellular membrane-bounded organelles. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis detected that DEGs were related to pathways involving carbohydrate metabolisms, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Twelve key differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), (D-galactose, UDP-glucose, succinate, inositol, D-galactose, D-fructose-6-phosphate, D-glucose-6-phosphate, D-glucose-1-phosphate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, ribulose-5-phosphate, citric acid and L-malate), and ten key candidate DEGs (CqAGAL2, CqINV, CqFrK7, CqCELB, Cqbg1x, CqFBP, CqALDO, CqPGM, CqIDH3, and CqSDH) involved in drought response were identified. CqSDH, CqAGAL2, and Cqβ-GAL13 were candidate genes that have been validated in both transcriptomics and yeast expression screen system.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide a foundation for elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing glucose metabolism in quinoa seeds under drought stress, providing insights for future research exploring responses to drought stress in quinoa.

SpCTP3 from the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola positively regulates cadmium tolerance by interacting with SpMDH1

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal pollutant mainly originating from the discharge of industrial sewage, irrigation with contaminated water, and the use of fertilizers. The phytoremediation of Cd polluted soil depends on the identification of the associated genes in hyperaccumulators. Here, a novel Cd tolerance gene (SpCTP3) was identified in hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola. The results of Cd2+ binding and thermodynamic analyses, revealed the CXXC motif in SpCTP3 functions is a Cd2+ binding site. A mutated CXXC motif decreased binding to Cd by 59.93%. The subcellular localization analysis suggested that SpCTP3 is primarily a cytoplasmic protein. Additionally, the SpCTP3-overexpressing (OE) plants were more tolerant to Cd and accumulated more Cd than wild-type Sedum alfredii (NHE-WT). The Cd concentrations in the cytoplasm of root and leaf cells were significantly higher (53.75% and 71.87%, respectively) in SpCTP3-OE plants than in NHE-WT. Furthermore, malic acid levels increased and decreased in SpCTP3-OE and SpCTP3-RNAi plants, respectively. Moreover, SpCTP3 interacted with malate dehydrogenase 1 (MDH1). Thus, SpCTP3 helps regulate the subcellular distribution of Cd and increases Cd accumulation when it is overexpressed in plants, ultimately Cd tolerance through its interaction with SpMDH1. This study provides new insights relevant to improving the Cd uptake by Sedum plumbizincicola.

Cadmium induced defense enhance the invasive potential of Wedelia trilobata under herbivore infestation

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is on the rise due to rapid urbanization, which emphasize the potential adverse effects on plant biodiversity and human health. Wedelia as a dominant invasive species, is tested for its tolerance to Cd-toxicity and herbivore infestation. We investigate defense mechanism system of invasive Wedelia trilobata and its native congener Wedelia chinensis against the Cd-pollution and Spodoptera litura infestation. We found that Cd-toxicity significantly increase hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyl ions (O2•) in W. chinensis 20.61%, 4.78% and 15.68% in leave and 27.44%, 25.52% and 30.88% in root, respectively. The photosynthetic pigments (Chla, Chla and Caro) and chlorophyll florescence (Fo and Fv/Fm) declined by (60.23%, 58.48% and 51.96%), and (73.29% and 55.75%) respectively in W. chinensis and (44.76%, 44.24% and 44.30%), and (54.66% and 45.36%) in W. trilobata under Cd treatment and S. litura. Invasive W. trilobata had higher enzymatic antioxidant SOD 126.9/71.64%, POD 97.24/94.92%, CAT 53.99/25.62% and APX 82.79/50.19%, and nonenzymatic antioxidant ASA 10.47/16.87%, DHA 15.07/27.88%, GSH 15.91/10.03% and GSSG 13.56/17.93% activity in leaf/root, respectively. Overall, W. trilobata accumulate higher Cd content 55.41%, 50.61% and 13.95% in root, shoot and leaf tissues respectively, than its native congener W. chinensis. While, nutrient profile of W. chinensis reveals less uptake of Fe, Cu and Zn than W. trilobata. W. trilobata showed efficient alleviation of oxidative damage through upregulating the genes related to key defense such as SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GR, PROL, FLV, ABA and JAZ, and metal transporter in leaves, shoot and root tissues, respectively. Conclusively, W. trilobata efficiently employed Cd-triggered defense for successful invasion, even under S. litura infestation, in Cd-contaminated soil.

Ectopic expression of SaCTP3 from the hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii in sorghum increases Cd accumulation for phytoextraction

The Cd tolerance protein SaCTP3, which responds to Cd stress, was identified in Sedum alfredii; however, how to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil using the CTP gene remains unknown. In this study, the phytoremediation potential of SaCTP3 of Sedum alfredii was identified. In the yeast Cd-sensitive strain Δycf1 overexpressing SaCTP3, the accumulation of Cd was higher than that in the Δycf1 strain overexpressing an empty vector. Transgenic sorghum plants overexpression SaCTP3 were further constructed to verify the function of SaCTP3. Compared to wild-type plants, the SaCTP3-overexpressing lines exhibited higher Cd accumulation under 500 μM Cd conditions. The average Cd content inSaCTP3-overexpressing plants is more than four times higher than that of WT plants. This was accompanied by an enhanced ability to scavenge ROS, as evidenced by the significantly increased activities of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in response to Cd stress. Pot experiments further demonstrated that SaCTP3 overexpression resulted in improved soil Cd scavenging and photosynthetic abilities. After 20 days of growth, the average Cd content in the soil planted with SaCTP3-overexpressing sorghum decreased by 19.4%, while the residual Cd content in the soil planted with wild-type plants was only reduced by 5.4%. This study elucidated the role of SaCTP3 from S.alfredii, highlighting its potential utility in genetically modifying sorghum for the effective phytoremediation of Cd.

Synergistic/antagonistic toxicity characterization and source-apportionment of heavy metals and organophosphorus pesticides by the biospectroscopy-bioreporter-coupling approach

Many anthropogenic chemicals are manufactured and eventually enter the surrounding environment, threatening food security and human health. Considering the additive or synergistic effects of pollutant mixtures, there is an expanding need for rapid, cost-effective and field-portable screening methods in environmental monitoring. This study used a recently developed biospectroscopy-bioreporter-coupling (BBC) approach to investigate the binary toxicity of Ag(I), Cr(VI) and four organophosphorus pesticides (dichlorvos, parathion, omethoate and monocrotophos). Ag(I) and Cr(VI) altered the toxicity mechanisms of pesticides, explained by the synergistic or antagonistic effect of Ag/Cr-induced cytotoxicity and pesticide-induced genotoxicity. The discriminating Raman spectral peaks associated with organophosphorus pesticides were 1585 and 1682 cm-1, but 750, 1004, 1306 and 1131 cm-1 were found in heavy metal and pesticide mixtures. More spectral alterations were related to pesticides rather than Ag(I) or Cr(VI), hinting at the dominant toxicity mechanisms of pesticides in mixtures. Ag(I) supplement significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species induced by organophosphorus pesticides, attributing to the increased permeability of cell membrane and entrance of toxic substances into the cells by the oligodynamic actions. This study lends deeper insights into the interactions between microbes and pollutant mixtures, offering clues to assess the cocktail effects of multiple pollutants comprehensively.

CaHMA1 promotes Cd accumulation in pepper fruit

The main planting areas for pepper (Capsicum sp.) are high in cadmium (Cd), which is the most prevalent heavy metal pollutant worldwide. Breeding pepper cultivars with low Cd levels can promote sustainable agricultural production and ensure the safety of pepper products. To identify breeding targets for reducing Cd accumulation in pepper fruits, we performed a genome-wide association study on 186 accessions. Polymorphisms were associated with fruit Cd content in a genomic region containing a homolog of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Heavy metal-transporting ATPase 1 (HMA1) encoding a P-type ATPase. In two cultivars with contrasting Cd accumulation, transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed genes enriched for carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthesis in fruits with high Cd accumulation, and a Cd2+/Zn2+-exporting ATPase gene (HMA). Heterologous expression of CaHMA1 in yeast increases Cd sensitivity. Overexpression of CaHMA1 conferred a severe increase in Cd content in Arabidopsis plants, whereas reduced CaHMA1 expression in pepper fruits decreased Cd content. We propose that CaHMA1 expression may be an important component of the high Cd accumulation in pepper plants.

Functional characterization of a DNA-damage repair/tolerance 100 (DRT100) gene in Sedum alfredii Hance for genome stability maintenance and Cd hypertolerance

Cd contamination is a world-wild concern for its toxicity and accumulation in food chain. Sedum alfredii Hance (Crassulaceae) is a zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator native to China and widely applied for the phytoremediation at Zn or Cd contaminated sites. Although many studies report the uptake, translocation and storage of Cd in S. alfredii Hance, limited information is known about the genes and underlying mechanisms of genome stability maintenance under Cd stress. In this study, a gene resembling DNA-damage repair/toleration 100 (DRT100) was Cd inducible and designated as SaDRT100. Heterologous expression of SaDRT100 gene in yeasts and Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced Cd tolerance capability. Under Cd stress, transgenic Arabidopsis with SaDRT100 gene exhibited lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), fewer Cd uptake in roots and less Cd-induced DNA damage. Evidenced by the subcellular location in cellular nucleus and expression in aerial parts, we suggested the involvement of SaDRT100 in combating Cd-induced DNA damage. Our findings firstly uncovered the roles of SaDRT100 gene in Cd hypertolerance and genome stability maintenance in S. alfredii Hance. The potential functions of DNA protection make SaDRT100 gene a candidate in genetic engineering for phytoremediation at multi-component contaminated sites.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of Boehmeria nivea L. in response to antimonite and antimonate stresses

Soil antimony (Sb) pollution is a global concern that threatens food security and human health. Boehmeria nivea L. (ramie) is a promising phytoremediation plant exhibiting high tolerance and enrichment capacity for Sb. To reveal the molecular mechanisms and thus enhance the ramie uptake, transport, and detoxification of Sb with practical strategies, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to compare the physiological and transcriptomic responses of ramie towards antimonite (Sb(Ⅲ)) and antimonate (Sb(Ⅴ)). Phenotypic results showed that Sb(Ⅲ) had a stronger inhibitory effect on the growth of ramie. Root Sb content under Sb(Ⅲ) was 2.43 times higher than that in Sb(Ⅴ) treatment. Based on the ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) technique, 3915 and 999 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under Sb(Ⅲ) and Sb(Ⅴ), respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ramie showed different adaptation strategies to Sb(Ⅲ) and Sb(V). Key DEGs and their involved pathways such as catalytic activity, carbohydrate metabolisms, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and cell wall modification were identified to perform crucial roles in Sb tolerance and detoxification. Two heavy metal-associated domain-type genes, six heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins, and nine ABC transporters showed possible roles in the transport and detoxification of Sb. The significant upregulation of NRAMP5 and three NIPs suggested their roles in the transport of Sb(V). This study is the basis for future research to identify the exact genes and biological processes that can effectively enhance Sb accumulation or improve plant tolerance to Sb, thereby promoting the phytoremediation of Sb-polluted soils.

Genome-wide identification of PLATZ genes related to cadmium tolerance in Populus trichocarpa and characterization of the role of PtPLATZ3 in phytoremediation of cadmium

Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding (PLATZ) proteins are a class of plant-specific zinc finger transcription factors that perform critical functions in plant development and resistance. However, the function of PLATZs in heavy metal tolerance has not yet been investigated. Moreover, only a few PLATZ proteins have been functionally characterized in tree species. In this study, we identified 18 PtPLATZ genes in Populus trichocarpa, an important woody model plant, and classified them into five groups. PtPLATZ genes attributed to the same clade usually possess similar exon-intron structures containing two or three introns, as well as a similar motif composition. Furthermore, chromosomal location analysis indicated an uneven distribution of PtPLATZ genes on 13 of the 19 Populus chromosomes. Promoter cis-acting element prediction and gene expression analysis showed that PtPLATZ genes were highly responsive to heavy metal stress. Heterologous yeast expression revealed that PtPLATZ1, PtPLATZ2, PtPLATZ3, PtPLATZ4, PtPLATZ8 and PtPLATZ9 are significantly involved in Cd tolerance. In addition, transgenic expression of PtPLATZ3 significantly enhanced Cd tolerance and accumulation, slowed the decline in chlorophyll content, maintained membrane integrity in Populus, and increased the expression of genes related to Cd tolerance and accumulation. In conclusion, our results suggest the potential of PtPLATZ3 to improve Cd tolerance and accumulation in Populus, which is of great significance for phytoremediation.

A novel gene SpCTP3 from the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola redistributes cadmium and increases its accumulation in transgenic Populus × canescens

A cadmium (Cd) tolerance protein (SpCTP3) involved in the Sedum plumbizincicola response to Cd stress was identified. However, the mechanism underlying the Cd detoxification and accumulation mediated by SpCTP3 in plants remains unclear. We compared wild-type (WT) and SpCTP3-overexpressing transgenic poplars in terms of Cd accumulation, physiological indices, and the expression profiles of transporter genes following with 100 μmol/L CdCl₂. Compared with the WT, significantly more Cd accumulated in the above-ground and below-ground parts of the SpCTP3-overexpressing lines after 100 μmol/L CdCl₂ treatment. The Cd flow rate was significantly higher in the transgenic roots than in the WT roots. The overexpression of SpCTP3 resulted in the subcellular redistribution of Cd, with decreased and increased Cd proportions in the cell wall and the soluble fraction, respectively, in the roots and leaves. Additionally, the accumulation of Cd increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. The activities of three antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) increased significantly in response to Cd stress. The observed increase in the titratable acid content in the cytoplasm might lead to the enhanced chelation of Cd. The genes encoding several transporters related to Cd²⁺ transport and detoxification were expressed at higher levels in the transgenic poplars than in the WT plants. Our results suggest that overexpressing SpCTP3 in transgenic poplar plants promotes Cd accumulation, modulates Cd distribution and ROS homeostasis, and decreases Cd toxicity via organic acids. In conclusion, genetically modifying plants to overexpress SpCTP3 may be a viable strategy for improving the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil.

Multi-omics reveals the key and specific miRNA-mRNA modules underlying salt tolerance in wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides L.)

Background

Salt stress is one of the most destructive environmental factors limiting crop growth and development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of conserved endogenous small non-coding RNAs, playing the crucial role in regulating salt response and tolerance in plants. However, the miRNAs in wild emmer wheat, especially the key and specific salt-responsive miRNAs are not well studied.

Results

Here, we performed small RNA, transcriptome, and degradome sequencing of both of salt-tolerance (ST) and salt-sensitive (SS) wild emmer genotypes to identify the miRNA-mRNA modules associating with salt tolerance. Totally, 775 miRNAs, including 361 conserved known miRNAs and 414 novel miRNAs were detected. Differential expression analysis identified 93 salt-responsive miRNAs under salt stress. Combined with RNA-seq and degradome sequencing analysis, 224 miRNA-mRNA modules displayed the complete opposite expression trends between ST and SS genotypes, most of which functionally enriched into ROS homeostasis maintaining, osmotic pressure modulating, and root growth and development. Finally, the qRT-PCR and a large-scale yeast functional screening were also performed to initially validate the expression pattern and function of candidate genes.

Conclusions

This study reported the key and specific miRNA-mRNA modules associated with salt tolerance in wild emmer, which lay the foundation for improving the salt tolerance in cultivated emmer and bread wheat through miRNA engineering approach.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08945-3.

Identification and Analysis of bZIP Family Genes in Sedum plumbizincicola and Their Potential Roles in Response to Cadmium Stress

Sedum plumbizincicola (Crassulaceae), a cadmium (Cd)/zinc (Zn)/lead (Pb) hyperaccumulator native to Southeast China, is potentially useful for the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors play vital roles in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. However, there has been minimal research on the effects of Cd stress on the bZIP gene family in S. plumbizincicola. In this study, 92 SpbZIP genes were identified in the S. plumbizincicola genome and then classified into 12 subgroups according to their similarity to bZIP genes in Arabidopsis. Gene structure and conserved motif analyses showed that SpbZIP genes within the same subgroup shared similar intron-exon structures and motif compositions. In total, eight pairs of segmentally duplicated SpbZIP genes were identified, but there were no tandemly duplicated SpbZIP genes. Additionally, the duplicated SpbZIP genes were mainly under purifying selection pressure. Hormone-responsive, abiotic and biotic stress-responsive, and plant development-related cis-acting elements were detected in the SpbZIP promoter sequences. Expression profiles derived from RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR analyses indicated that the expression levels of most SpbZIP genes were upregulated under Cd stress conditions. Furthermore, a gene co-expression network analysis revealed that most edge genes regulated by hub genes were related to metal transport, responses to stimuli, and transcriptional regulation. Because its expression was significantly upregulated by Cd stress, the hub gene SpbZIP60 was selected for a functional characterization to elucidate its role in the root response to Cd stress. In a transient gene expression analysis involving Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, SpbZIP60 was localized in the nucleus. The overexpression of SpbZIP60 enhanced the Cd tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis plants by inhibiting ROS accumulation, protecting the photosynthetic apparatus, and decreasing the Cd content. These findings may provide insights into the potential roles of the bZIP family genes during the S. plumbizincicola response to Cd stress.

The ethylene-responsive transcription factor of durum wheat, TdSHN1, confers cadmium, copper, and zinc tolerance to yeast and transgenic tobacco plants

Cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are among the most common heavy metals (HMs) present in polluted soils. While some HMs are required for key biological processes, they are toxic when present in excess. This toxicity damages plant health, decreases crop yields, and can impact human health via the food chain. For example, durum wheat is a staple food that is known to accumulate Cd when grown on polluted soils. Plant response to HM stress is complex and involves several transcription factors (TFs) among which members of the ERF family. Although roles of SHINE-type ERF transcription factors in abiotic stress tolerance have been thoroughly investigated, there is little information concerning their role in HM stress tolerance. In the present study, we investigated the role of durum wheat TdSHN1 TF in HM response and tolerance. Results showed that TdSHN1 expression was strongly induced by Cd, Cu, and Zn in durum wheat seedlings. In addition, TdSHN1 gene promoter directed HM-inducible GUS gene expression in transgenic tobacco. Overexpression of TdSHN1 encoding cDNA in transgenic yeast and tobacco conferred Cd, Cu, and Zn tolerances. Interestingly, transgenic tobacco lines exhibited longer roots and greater biomass accumulation, retained more chlorophyll, and produced less ROS than WT plants, when subjected to excess HMs. In addition, transgenic tobacco lines had higher activities of ROS-scavenging enzymes (SOD and CAT) which might have contributed to their HM tolerance. This study suggested that TdSHN1 is a potential candidate for improving HM tolerance in plants and phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils.

Physiological, anatomical, and transcriptional responses of mulberry (Morus alba L.) to Cd stress in contaminated soil

Mulberry has been widely studied for its capacity to tolerate heavy metals. However, the anatomical and molecular response mechanisms of Cd detoxification and transportation in mulberry have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the anatomical characteristics, Cd and mineral element uptake and transport, and transcriptome profiling of mulberry were studied under Cd stress. The results showed that mulberry possessed strong detoxification and self-protection abilities against Cd stress. The growth and photosynthetic pigment contents of mulberry were only slightly affected when the soil Cd content was less than 37.0 mg/kg, while the Ca and Mg contents in the mulberry roots were clearly (p < 0.05) increased by 37.85%-40.87% and 36.63%-53.06% in 37.0-55.4 mg/kg Cd-contaminated soil. Meanwhile, the relationships between antioxidant enzyme activities, such as peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, and Cd content in plants were positive. Furthermore, the structures of leaf cells, root and stem tissues were largely intact; simultaneously, the increase in osmiophilic particles and the dissolution of starch granules in mulberry leaves significantly responded to Cd stress. Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COG) and Gene Ontology (GO) classification analysis indicated that mulberry can enhance the catalytic activity, regulate the transport and metabolism of inorganic ions, and strengthen its antioxidant enzyme activity and defense mechanism to decrease Cd intoxication. Large numbers of differentially expressed genes associated with cell wall biosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione metabolism, chelation, plant hormone signal transduction, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were upregulated under Cd stress. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that plant hormone signal transduction was significantly (p < 0.05) enriched in roots, stems, and leaves of mulberry, and abscisic acid and ethylene can mediate MAPK signaling pathways to increase plant tolerance to Cd stress. The results suggested that the physiological, cellular and tissue, and transcriptional regulation of mulberry can facilitate its stress adaptation in Cd-contaminated soil.

Visualization and quantification of cadmium accumulation, chelation and antioxidation during the process of vacuolar compartmentalization in the hyperaccumulator plant Solanum nigrum L

Hyperaccumulators store metals in the vacuoles of leaf cells. To investigate the role of vacuolar compartmentalization in Cd accumulation, chelation and induced antioxidation, we quantified the amounts of total cadmium (Cd), Cd²⁺, glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leaf cells of Solanum nigrum L. The results confirmed that vacuoles were, indeed, the main storage compartments for Cd. We then found that with increased Cd treatment concentration, the proportion of vacuolar Cd in protoplasts showed its ultimate storage capacity (82.24 %-83.40 %), and the Cd concentration stored in the protoplast maintained at a certain level (73.81-77.46 mg L^-1). Besides, studies on different forms of Cd showed that the chelation state was dominant in the protoplast. The large level appearance of Cd²⁺ outside the vacuole revealed the limitations of vacuolar Cd²⁺ sequestration. The relationships between the combined forms of Cd and GSH outside the vacuole (R² = 0.9906) showed GSH was mainly distributed to important compartments for chelation, not to vacuoles. We also demonstrated the presence of ROS-induced oxidative stress and detoxification mediated by the antioxidant GSH in vacuoles, suggesting that sequestration into vacuoles is an active process accompanied by chelation and antioxidant-mediated detoxification.

Identification and functional characterization of ABCC transporters for Cd tolerance and accumulation in Sedum alfredii Hance

Cd is one of the potential toxic elements (PTEs) exerting great threats on the environment and living organisms and arising extensive attentions worldwide. Sedum alfredii Hance, a Cd hyperaccumulator, is of great importance in studying the mechanisms of Cd hyperaccumulation and has potentials for phytoremediation. ATP-binding cassette sub-family C (ABCC) belongs to the ABC transporter family, which is deemed to closely associate with multiple physiological processes including cellular homeostasis, metal detoxification, and transport of metabolites. In the present work, ten ABCC proteins were identified in S. alfredii Hance, exhibiting uniform domain structure and divergently clustering with those from Arabidopsis. Tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that some SaABCC genes had significantly higher expression in roots (Sa23221 and Sa88F144), stems (Sa13F200 and Sa14F98) and leaves (Sa13F200). Co-expression network analysis using these five SaABCC genes as hub genes produced two clades harboring different edge genes. Transcriptional expression profiles responsive to Cd illustrated a dramatic elevation of Sa14F190 and Sa18F186 genes. Heterologous expression in a Cd-sensitive yeast cell line, we confirmed the functions of Sa14F190 gene encoding ABCC in Cd accumulation. Our study performed a comprehensive analysis of ABCCs in S. alfredii Hance, firstly mapped their tissue-specific expression patterns responsive to Cd stress, and characterized the roles of Sa14F190 genes in Cd accumulation.

Pseudomonas fluorescens accelerates a reverse and long-distance transport of cadmium and sucrose in the hyperaccumulator plant Sedum alfredii

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can promote root uptake and shoot accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in hyperaccumulator plants, but the mechanisms by which PGPB accelerate root-to-shoot transport of Cd is still unknown. A better understanding of these mechanisms is necessary to develop the strategies that can promote the practical phytoextraction of Cd-polluted soils. In this study, we found that Pseudomonas fluorescens accelerates a reversed and a long-distance transport of Cd and sucrose in Sedum alfredii, by examining the xylem and phloem sap and by quantifying the concentrations of Cd and sucrose in shoot and root. The transcriptome sequencing has revealed the up-regulated expressions of starch metabolism and sucrose biosynthesis related genes in the shoots of Cd hyperaccumulator plant S. alfredii that was inoculated with PGPB P. fluorescens. In addition, the genes of sugar, cation and anion transporters were also up-regulated by bacterial treatment, showing a complicated co-expression network with sucrose biosynthesis related genes. The expression levels of Cd transporter genes, such as ZIP1, ZIP2, HMA2, HMA3 and CAX2, were elevated after PGPB inoculation. As a result, the PGPB successfully colonized the root, and promoted the sucrose shoot-to-root transport and Cd root-to-shoot transport in S. alfredii. Since non-photosynthetic root-associated bacteria usually obtain sugars from photosynthetic plants, our results highlight the importance of PGPB-induced changes in hyperaccumlator plants for both the host and the PGPB.

Interrogating cadmium and lead biosorption mechanisms by Simplicillium chinense via infrared spectroscopy

Fungi-associated phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient approach to remove potential toxic elements (PTEs) from contaminated soils. Many fungal strains have been reported to possess PTE-biosorption behaviour which benefits phytoremediation performance. Nevertheless, most studies are limited in rich or defined medium, far away from the real-world scenarios where nutrients are deficient. Understanding fungal PTE-biosorption performance and influential factors in soil environment can expand their application potential and is urgently needed. This study applied attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) coupled with phenotypic microarrays to study the biospectral alterations of a fungal strain Simplicillium chinense QD10 and explore the mechanisms of Cd and Pb biosorption. Both Cd and Pb were efficiently adsorbed by S. chinense QD10 cultivated with 48 different carbon sources and the biosorption efficiency achieved >90%. As the first study using spectroscopic tools to analyse PTE-biosorption by fungal cells in a high-throughput manner, our results indicated that spectral biomarkers associated with phosphor-lipids and proteins (1745 cm^-1, 1456 cm^-1 and 1396 cm^-1) were significantly correlated with Cd biosorption, suggesting the cell wall components of S. chinense QD10 as the primary interactive targets. In contrast, there was no any spectral biomarker associated with Pb biosorption. Addtionally, adsorption isotherms evidenced a Langmuir model for Cd biosorption but a Freundlich model for Pb biosorption. Accordingly, Pb and Cd biosorption by S. chinense QD10 followed discriminating mechanisms, specific adsorption on cell membrane for Cd and unspecific extracellular precipitation for Pb. This work lends new insights into the mechanisms of PTE-biosorption via IR spectrochemical tools, which provide more comprehensive clues for biosorption behaviour with a nondestructive and high-throughput manner solving the traditional technical barrier regarding the real-world scenarios.