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Astaxanthin induces plant tolerance against cadmium by reducing cadmium uptake and enhancing carotenoid metabolism for antioxidant defense in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Authors :
Ozavize, Suleiman Fatimoh
Qiu, Cheng-Wei
Wu, Feibo
Source :
Plant Physiology & Biochemistry. May2024, Vol. 210, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a significant threat to global food security and the environment. Astaxanthin (AX), a potent biological antioxidant belonging to the carotenoid group, has been demonstrated to confer tolerance against diverse abiotic stresses in plants. This study investigated the potential of AX in mitigating Cd-induced damage in wheat seedlings. Morpho-physiological, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of AX on Cd-exposed wheat seedlings. Illumina-based gene expression profiling was employed to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of AX. The addition of 100 μM AX alleviated Cd toxicity by enhancing various parameters: growth, photosynthesis, carotenoid content, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), while reducing Cd accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) levels. RNA sequencing analysis revealed differentially expressed genes associated with Cd uptake and carotenoid metabolism, such as zinc/iron permease (ZIP), heavy metal-associated protein (HMA), 3-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3-beta-HSD), and thiolase. These findings suggest that AX enhances Cd tolerance in wheat seedlings by promoting the expression of detoxification and photosynthesis-related genes. This research offers valuable insights into the potential use of AX to address Cd contamination in agricultural systems, highlighting the significance of antioxidant supplementation in plant stress management. • Application of AX alleviates Cd toxicity and improves plant growth in wheat. • AX treatment leads to reduced Cd levels, lowers oxidative stress, and enhances photosynthesis. • AX modulates the expression of specific genes involved in Cd absorption and tolerance mechanisms. • AX induces carotenoid metabolism-related genes expression mediates AX's beneficial effects under Cd stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09819428
Volume :
210
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Plant Physiology & Biochemistry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177087365
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108622