Overexpression of NTPCS1 Enhances Zn Tolerance in Tobacco.

ABSTRACT: 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 Nicotiana tabacum phytochelatin synthase 1 (NtPCS1) in counteracting Zn toxicity in plants. qRT-PCR data showed that the transcript level of the NtPCS1 gene was upregulated by ZnSO₄, leading to increased PC production in the wild-type tobacco plants. Functional complementation assays in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that overexpression of NtPCS1 rescued the Zn hypersensitivity of the Atpcs1 mutant, with the N-terminal region being indispensable for Zn tolerance. In addition, transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing

SUBMITTER: Wu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12157960 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature