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Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress
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Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2022) | Viewed by 18188

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jagna Chmielowska-Bąk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
Interests: metal stress; signaling network; epitranscriptomics; oxidative stress; soybean
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The topic of plant response to metal stress has captured the attention of both the research community and general society. Contamination of the environment with metals and metalloids, such as Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, As, or Hg, remains a serious problem worldwide. Exposure to these toxic elements affects plants’ homeostasis and fitness. Metal-driven stress limits plant growth and reduces crop yield. In addition, metals that accumulate in edible plants enter the food chain, posing a threat to human health.

Each year, a significant number of articles dedicated to metal stress in plants are published. However, there are still many areas that need further exploration. The sensing, signaling, and gene regulatory mechanisms leading to the development of plant defense require detailed elucidation. Some examples of other emerging topics in the field of plant metal response include the phenomenon of cross-tolerance, the beneficial role of plant-growth-promoting organisms, or the continuous search for metal hyperaccumulators that can be applied in phytoremediation.

The Special Issue is dedicated to various areas of plants’ response to metals and metalloids. Research and review articles on metal- and metalloid-dependent changes in plant ultrastructure, metabolism, biochemistry, proteomics, transcriptomics, epitranscriptomics, epigenetics, and other related topics are welcome.  

Dr. Jagna Chmielowska-Bąk
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metals
  • metalloids
  • metal toxicity
  • metal stress
  • metal accumulation
  • metal tolerance
  • metal-dependent signaling
  • phytoremediation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3100 KiB  
Article
The Imbibition of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds in Silver Nitrate Reduces Seed Germination, Seedlings Development and Their Metabolic Profile
by Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Lesław Bernard Lahuta, Karolina Stałanowska and Marcin Horbowicz
Plants 2022, 11(14), 1877; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141877 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2513
Abstract
The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on plants is accompanied by the occurrence of Ag+ ions, so the research of the effects of both on plants should be related. Therefore, in our study, the effects of Ag NPs suspension (containing Ag [...] Read more.
The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on plants is accompanied by the occurrence of Ag+ ions, so the research of the effects of both on plants should be related. Therefore, in our study, the effects of Ag NPs suspension (containing Ag0 at 20 mg/L) and AgNO3 solutions (with the concentration of Ag+ ions at 20 and 50 mg/L) on the seed germination and early seedling growth (4 days) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) were compared. Both Ag NPs and AgNO3 did not decrease seed germination, and even stimulated seedling growth. In seedlings developing in the Ag NPs suspension, an increase in monosaccharides, homoserine and malate was noted. In the next experiment, the effect of short-term seed imbibition (8 h) in AgNO3 at elevated concentrations, ranging from 100 to 1000 mg/L, on the further seed germination, seedling growth (in absence of AgNO3) and their polar metabolic profiles were evaluated. The seed imbibition in AgNO3 solutions at 500 and 1000 mg/L reduced seed germination, inhibited seedlings’ growth and caused morphological deformations (twisting and folding of root). The above phytotoxic effects were accompanied by changes in amino acids and soluble carbohydrates profiles, in both sprouts and cotyledons. In deformed sprouts, the content of homoserine and asparagine (major amino acids) decreased, while alanine, glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and sucrose increased. The increase in sucrose coincided with a decrease in glucose and fructose. Sprouts, but not cotyledons, also accumulated malic acid and phosphoric acid. Additionally, cotyledons developed from seeds imbibed with AgNO3 contained raffinose and stachyose, which were not detectable in sprouts and cotyledons of control seedlings. The obtained results suggest the possible disturbances in the mobilization of primary (oligosaccharides) and presumably major storage materials (starch, proteins) as well as in the primary metabolism of developing seedlings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress)
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15 pages, 1590 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Mercury-Stressed Trigonella foenum-gracum L. to Silver Nanoparticles and Sphingobacterium ginsenosidiumtans Applications
by Ahlam Khalofah, Mona Kilany and Hussein Migdadi
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071349 - 01 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1925
Abstract
Heavy metals are primarily generated and deposited in the environment, causing phytotoxicity. This work evaluated fenugreek plants’ morpho-physiological and biochemical responses under mercury stress conditions toward Ag nanoparticles and Sphingobacterium ginsenosidiumtans applications. The fabrication of Ag nanoparticles by Thymus vulgaris was monitored and [...] Read more.
Heavy metals are primarily generated and deposited in the environment, causing phytotoxicity. This work evaluated fenugreek plants’ morpho-physiological and biochemical responses under mercury stress conditions toward Ag nanoparticles and Sphingobacterium ginsenosidiumtans applications. The fabrication of Ag nanoparticles by Thymus vulgaris was monitored and described by UV/Vis analysis, FTIR, and SEM. The effect of mercury on vegetative growth was determined by measuring the root and shoots length, the number and area of leaves, the relative water content, and the weight of the green and dried plants; appraisal of photosynthetic pigments, proline, hydrogen peroxide, and total phenols content were also performed. In addition, the manipulation of Ag nanoparticles, S. ginsenosidiumtans, and their combination were tested for mercury stress. Here, Ag nanoparticles were formed at 420 nm with a uniform cuboid form and size of 85 nm. Interestingly, the gradual suppression of vegetal growth and photosynthetic pigments by mercury, Ag nanoparticles, and S. ginsenosidiumtans were detected; however, carotenoids and anthocyanins were significantly increased. In addition, proline, hydrogen peroxide, and total phenols content were significantly increased because mercury and S. ginsenosidiumtans enhance this increase. Ag nanoparticles achieve higher levels by the combination. Thus, S. ginsenosidiumtans and Ag nanoparticles could have the plausible ability to relieve and combat mercury’s dangerous effects in fenugreek. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress)
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21 pages, 49205 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification, Structure Characterization, Expression Pattern Profiling, and Substrate Specificity of the Metal Tolerance Protein Family in Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC
by Tao Zou, Ruoyi Lin, Lin Pu, Qiming Mei, Zhengfeng Wang, Shuguang Jian and Mei Zhang
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071340 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2226
Abstract
Plant metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) play key roles in heavy metal absorption and homeostasis in plants. By using genome-wide and phylogenetic approaches, the origin and diversification of MTPs from Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC. was explored. Canavalia rosea (bay bean) is an extremophile halophyte [...] Read more.
Plant metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) play key roles in heavy metal absorption and homeostasis in plants. By using genome-wide and phylogenetic approaches, the origin and diversification of MTPs from Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC. was explored. Canavalia rosea (bay bean) is an extremophile halophyte with strong adaptability to seawater and drought and thereby shows specific metal tolerance with a potential phytoremediation ability. However, MTP genes in leguminous plants remain poorly understood. In our study, a total of 12 MTP genes were identified in C. rosea. Multiple sequence alignments showed that all CrMTP proteins possessed the conserved transmembrane domains (TM1 to TM6) and could be classified into three subfamilies: Zn-CDFs (five members), Fe/Zn-CDFs (five members), and Mn-CDFs (two members). Promoter cis-acting element analyses revealed that a distinct number and composition of heavy metal regulated elements and other stress-responsive elements existed in different promoter regions of CrMTPs. Analysis of transcriptome data revealed organ-specific expression of CrMTP genes and the involvement of this family in heavy metal stress responses and adaptation of C. rosea to extreme coral reef environments. Furthermore, the metal-specific activity of several functionally unknown CrMTPs was investigated in yeast. These results will contribute to uncovering the potential functions and molecular mechanisms of heavy metal absorption, translocation, and accumulation in C. rosea plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress)
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14 pages, 1497 KiB  
Article
Effect of Phosphorus Application on Arsenic Species Accumulation and Co-Deposition of Polyphenols in Rice Grain: Phyto and Food Safety Evaluation
by Arghya Chattopadhyay, Anand Prakash Singh, Deepak Kasote, Indrajit Sen and Ahmed Regina
Plants 2021, 10(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020281 - 02 Feb 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
The present study was aimed at exploring the effect of soil application of different concentrations of orthophosphate (P) (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg kg−1) on rice agronomic and yield parameters, arsenic (As) species accumulation, and polyphenol levels in the [...] Read more.
The present study was aimed at exploring the effect of soil application of different concentrations of orthophosphate (P) (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg kg−1) on rice agronomic and yield parameters, arsenic (As) species accumulation, and polyphenol levels in the grain of rice grown under As spiked soil (10 mg kg−1). The contents of As species (As(V), As (III), MMA and DMA) and polyphenols in rice grain samples were estimated using LC-ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS, respectively. P treatments significantly reduced the toxic effects of As on agronomic parameters such as root weight and length, shoot and spike length, straw, and grain yield. Among the treatments studied, only the treatment of 30 mg kg−1 P helps to decrease the elevated levels of As (V), As (III), and DMA in rice grains due to As application. The study revealed that 30 mg kg−1 was the optimal P application amount to minimize AS accumulation in rice grains and As-linked toxicity on agronomic parameters and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Furthermore, the levels of trans-ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and apigenin-7-glucoside increased in response to accumulation of As in the rice grain. In conclusion, the precise use of phosphorus may help to mitigate arsenic linked phytotoxicity and enhance the food safety aspect of rice grain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress)
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13 pages, 1230 KiB  
Article
Absence of Polyphenol Oxidase in Cynomorium coccineum, a Widespread Holoparasitic Plant
by Alessandra Padiglia, Paolo Zucca, Faustina B. Cannea, Andrea Diana, Cristina Maxia, Daniela Murtas and Antonio Rescigno
Plants 2020, 9(8), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080964 - 30 Jul 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2632
Abstract
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO, E.C. 1.14.18.1) is a nearly ubiquitous enzyme that is widely distributed among organisms. Despite its widespread distribution, the role of PPO in plants has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we report for the absence of PPO in Cynomorium [...] Read more.
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO, E.C. 1.14.18.1) is a nearly ubiquitous enzyme that is widely distributed among organisms. Despite its widespread distribution, the role of PPO in plants has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we report for the absence of PPO in Cynomorium coccineum, a holoparasitic plant adapted to withstand unfavorable climatic conditions, growing in Mediterranean countries and amply used in traditional medicine. The lack of PPO has been demonstrated by the absence of enzymatic activity with various substrates, by the lack of immunohistochemical detection of the enzyme, and by the absence of the PPO gene and, consequently, its expression. The results obtained in our work allow us to exclude the presence of the PPO activity (both latent and mature forms of the enzyme), as well as of one or more genes coding for PPO in C. coccineum. Finally, we discuss the possible significance of PPO deficiency in parasitic plants adapted to abiotic stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress)
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Review

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12 pages, 717 KiB  
Review
Plant Recovery after Metal Stress—A Review
by Jagna Chmielowska-Bąk and Joanna Deckert
Plants 2021, 10(3), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030450 - 27 Feb 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4610
Abstract
Contamination of the environment with metals, their adverse impact on plant performance and transmission to the human food chain through crops and vegetables are important concerns worldwide. Although the literature on metal contamination, toxicity and plant response to this stress factor is quite [...] Read more.
Contamination of the environment with metals, their adverse impact on plant performance and transmission to the human food chain through crops and vegetables are important concerns worldwide. Although the literature on metal contamination, toxicity and plant response to this stress factor is quite abundant, there are very limited reports on the phenomenon of plant recovery after metal stress. The present article reviews available literature on the recovery process examined in various plant species, in response to several metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), applied at different concentrations and treatment duration. The reviewed studies have been carried out in laboratory conditions. However, it should be highlighted that although metal stress is not as transient as most of other stress factors (e.g., drought, heat, chilling), metal concentration in the soil may still decrease due to, e.g., leaching to lower soil layers or uptake by organisms. Thus, in natural conditions, plants may be subjected to post-metal-stress conditions. The review also discusses the mechanism behind efficient recovery and the impact of post metal stress on future plant performance—possible acquisition of stress memory, adaptation to unfavorable conditions and cross-tolerance towards other stress factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Response to Metal Stress)
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