Gene expression analysis of metallothionein and mineral elements uptake in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) exposed to cadmium

Abstract

Heavy metals such as Cd are considered to be the most important pollutants in soil contamination. Cd is a non-essential element adversely affecting plant growth and development, and it has caused some physiological and molecular changes. Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, and metal binding proteins. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the MT gene expression levels and minerals uptake in the tissues of Solanum lycopersicum exposed to Cd. The transcriptional expression of the MT genes was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The MT genes were regulated by the Cd and the mineral elements uptake changed tissue type and applied doses. The MT1 and MT2 transcript levels increased in the roots, the leaves and the fruits of the tomato. The MT3 and MT4 transcript pattern changed according to the tissue types. The Cd treatment on the growth medium increased the Mg, Ca, and Fe content in both the leaves and fruits of the tomato. However, the Cd affected the mineral levels in the roots depending on the mineral types and doses. Also, the Cd content increased in the roots, the leaves, and the fruits of the tomato, respectively. The results presented in this study show that Cd has synergistic and/or antagonistic effects on minerals depending on the tissue types. These results indicate that the MT1 and MT2 expression pattern increased together with the Mg, Ca, and Fe content in both the leaves and the fruits of the tomato.

Exogenous GR24 Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity by Reducing Cadmium Uptake in Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) Seedlings

“…We found that Cd stress reduced the uptake of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in shoots and roots; the results are agreement with observations in roots by Sasaki et al [ 34 ]. Similar results were also observed in the tomato shoots when the seedlings were treated with increasing of Cd concentrations [ 35 ], indicating that Cd was responsible for mineral deficiencies or imbalances. Another mechanism of Cd toxicity is that the shortage of essential elements required for plant growth due to the competition for the same uptake systems between Cd and other divalent ions [ 34 ].…”

Analysis of BnMTL, a novel metallothionein‐like protein in the bast fiber crop Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

“…Similar results were found in several different plants such as Avicennia germinnas [26] and Arachis hypogaea [27]. Studies on expression patterns of metallothionein in tomato demonstrated the best expression at an approximately 50 lM Cd 2+ concentration [28]. The results obtained in the present study, however, indicated significant upregulation of the gene at doses of 100-200 lM Cd 2+ mainly induced in the roots (Fig.…”

Comparative study of Cd uptake and tolerance of two Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cultivars

“…This is further supported by the higher Cd concentrations in Harukaze. Likewise, Cd promoting the uptake of Mg, Ca, and Fe were reported in tomato ( Kisa, Ozturk & Tekin, 2016 ). No significant differences in metal concentration were observed between the shoots of Harukaze and IdyII, indicating that cultivar differences in metal uptake are mainly in the roots rather than in the shoots.…”

“…3I – 3K ), indicating that there may be possible competition with the metal transporters for translocation between Cd and other micronutrients in Italian ryegrass. It was reported that there were antagonistic effects from Cd and microelement elements (Zn, Fe, Mn) using the same transporters and/or cation channels as Ca and Mg ( Sarwar et al, 2010 ; Kisa, Ozturk & Tekin, 2016 ).…”