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SpHMA3: A Genetic Boost for Cadmium Tolerance and Bioremediation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Zea mays

Rumin Pu,Gaojiao Hu,Qian Jiang,Wenhao Zhou,Binhan Zhao,Chao Xia,Jianfeng Hu,Wenqi Xiang,Mao Liu,Hanyu Deng,Shuang Zhao,Jialong Han,Guihua Lv,Haijian Lin

Published 2025 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences

ABSTRACT

In China, soil contamination by heavy metals is a widespread issue, with substantial increases in lead(Pb), cadmium(Cd), copper(Cu), and zinc(Zn) levels observed across various regions. Particularly, the concentrations of Pb and Cd significantly exceed their natural background levels. P-ATPases, a group of proteins, utilize energy from ATP hydrolysis to support the transmembrane movement of metal ions. This group encompasses several Heavy Metal Associated Transporter (HMA) ATPases. Studies on hyperaccumulators have shown the critical role of HMAs in the movement and reduction in Zn and Cd toxicity in plant systems. This research identifies a protein encoded by the SpHMA gene from Sedum plumbizincicola, a species noted for aiding Zn/Cd hyperaccumulators, which enhances tolerance to Cd and Zn. We detail a protein encoded by SpH/A within the HMA family that enhances Cd tolerance. Real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-PCR) indicates that SpHMA3 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana and Zea mays KN5585 correlates with high Cd tolerance, linked to Cd accumulation in Zea mays. In addition, homozygous Arabidopsis thaliana AtHMA3 mutants exhibited increased Cd sensitivity compared to the wild type (WT). Notably, plants of Arabidopsis thaliana and maize overexpressing SpHMA3 showed enhanced Cd stress tolerance compared to WT. Enhanced Cd accumulation in tissues was observed when SpHMA3 was overexpressed, as revealed by subcellular distribution analysis. We propose that SpHMA3 augments maize tolerance to Cd and Zn stresses through enhanced cellular uptake and translocation of Cd ions. This investigation clarifies the gene function of SpHMA3 in Cd and Zn stress response, offering insights for enhancing heavy metal absorption traits in maize varieties and phytoremediation methods for soils contaminated with heavy metals.

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