Physiological and transcriptome analysis of response of soybean (Glycine max) to cadmium stress under elevated CO2 concentration

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 448; p. 130950
• Main Authors: Gong, Zehua, Duan, Yuqian, Liu, Danmei, Zong, Yuzheng, Zhang, Dongsheng, Shi, Xinrui, Hao, Xingyu, Li, Ping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.04.2023
• Subjects: Cd toxicity; Elevated CO2 concentration; Soybean; Transcriptome analysis; Transcriptome analysis; Soybean; Elevated CO2 concentration; Cd toxicity
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130950

The continuous accumulation of Cd has long-lasting detrimental effects on plant growth and food safety. Although elevated CO2 concentration (EC) has been reported to reduce Cd accumulation and toxicity in plants, evidence on the functions of elevated CO2 concentration and its mechanisms in the possible alleviation of Cd toxicity in soybean are limited. Here, we used physiological and biochemical methods together with transcriptomic comparison to explore the effects of EC on Cd-stressed soybean. Under Cd stress, EC significantly increased the weight of roots and leaves, promoted the accumulations of proline, soluble sugars, and flavonoid. In addition, the enhancement of GSH activity and GST gene expressions promoted Cd detoxification. These defensive mechanisms reduced the contents of Cd2+, MDA, and H2O2 in soybean leaves. The up-regulation of genes encoding phytochelatin synthase, MTPs, NRAMP, and vacuoles protein storage might play vital roles in the transportation and compartmentalization process of Cd. The MAPK and some transcription factors such as bHLH, AP2/ERF, and WRKY showed changed expressions and might be engaged in mediation of stress response. These findings provide a boarder view on the regulatory mechanism of EC on Cd stress and provide numerous potential target genes for future engineering of Cd-tolerant cultivars in soybean breeding programs under climate changes scenarios. [Display omitted] •eCO2 attenuated Cd accumulation and growth inhibition in soybean under Cd stress.•eCO2 enhanced osmoprotective and antioxidant systems in Cd-stressed plants.•eCO2 induced increase in GST expression and GSH activity might enhance Cd tolerance.•eCO2 enhanced the expression of genes engaged in Cd transportation and distribution.•eCO2 modulated expression of genes associated with MAPK, bHLH, WRKY, ERF, and MYB.