Overexpression of NTPCS1 Enhances Zn Tolerance in Tobacco
Phytochelatins (PCs) are well-characterized for their role in detoxifying non-essential metals like cadmium (Cd), but their role in zinc (Zn) homeostasis remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of the <i>Nicotiana tabacum</i> phytochelatin synthase 1 (<i>NtPC...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Plants |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/11/1688 |
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| Summary: | Phytochelatins (PCs) are well-characterized for their role in detoxifying non-essential metals like cadmium (Cd), but their role in zinc (Zn) homeostasis remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of the <i>Nicotiana tabacum</i> phytochelatin synthase 1 (<i>NtPCS1</i>) in counteracting Zn toxicity in plants. qRT-PCR data showed that the transcript level of the <i>NtPCS1</i> gene was upregulated by ZnSO<sub>4</sub>, leading to increased PC production in the wild-type tobacco plants. Functional complementation assays in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> revealed that overexpression of <i>NtPCS1</i> rescued the Zn hypersensitivity of the <i>Atpcs1</i> mutant, with the N-terminal region being indispensable for Zn tolerance. In addition, transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing <i>NtPCS1</i> (PCS1 lines) exhibited superior root elongation under ZnSO<sub>4</sub> stress compared to the wild-type plants, particularly when supplemented with glutathione (GSH). The observed phenotypic advantage is attributed to <i>NtPCS1</i>-mediated overproduction of PCs, which facilitated Zn chelation and enabled cellular detoxification. These findings highlight the important role of NtPCS1 in Zn tolerance via GSH-linked PCs synthesis, offering insights into <i>PCS</i>-mediated Zn detoxification and a genetic strategy for developing Zn-resistant plants. |
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| ISSN: | 2223-7747 |