Unravelling the protective role of silicon in Cannabis sativa hypocotyls under cadmium and zinc stress: insights from imaging and -omics

ABSTRACT: Heavy metals are environmental pollutants significantly affecting soil quality and, consequently, plant growth. Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic element primarily introduced into the environment through anthropogenic activities. The impact of Cd on plants is particularly severe, as it is taken up by roots and translocated to aerial tissues, where it accumulates and disrupts cellular metabolism. Zinc (Zn), conversely, is an essential micronutrient required for several enzymatic functions, including those involved in DNA synthesis, protein production, and oxidative stress regulation. However, excessive Zn levels in soils, often resulting from industrial effluents, mining, and improper disposal of Zn-containing products, can lead to toxic effects on plants. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), a multi-purpose crop grown for its long and strong bast fibres, nutrient-rich seeds, and medicinal compounds has gained attention for its ability to tolerate and accumulate heavy metals, including Cd and Zn. These unique characteristics position hemp as a promising candidate for phytoremediation. In this study, the impact of Cd and Zn on bast fibre formation was evaluated on young hemp plants, by focusing on the hypocotyl, a structure shown to be a suitable model to address questions related to fibre formation. In particular, the impact of Cd and Zn in the presence and absence of the beneficial quasi-essential metalloid silicon (Si) was studied by merging optical and high-resolution microscopy with -omics.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Cannabis Sativa

TISSUE(S): Plant Cell, Hypocotyl

SUBMITTER: Céline LECLERCQ  

LAB HEAD: Celine LECLERCQ

PROVIDER: PXD060911 | Pride | 2026-07-06

REPOSITORIES: Pride