Tobacco NtUBC1 and NtUBQ2 enhance salt tolerance by reducing sodium accumulation and oxidative stress through proteasome activation in Arabidopsis.

The ubiquitin/proteasome system plays a crucial role in the regulation of plant responses to environmental stress. Here, we studied the involvement of the UBC1 and UBQ2 genes encoding a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2) and ubiquitin extension protein, respectively, in the response to salt stress. Our results showed that the constitutive expression of tobacco NtUBC1 and NtUBQ2 in Arabidopsis thaliana improved salt tolerance, along with the lower Na level and higher K/Na ratio compared to control plants.

Ethylene and ROS mediate root growth inhibition induced by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA).

Bisphenol A (BPA) functions as a detrimental substance that disrupts the endocrine system in animals while also impeding the growth and development of plants. In our previous study, we demonstrated that BPA hinders the growth of roots in Arabidopsis by diminishing cell division and elongation, which is ascribed to the increased accumulation and redistribution of auxin. Here, we examined the mediation of ROS and ethylene in BPA-induced auxin accumulation and root growth inhibition.

Decreases in arsenic accumulation by the plasma membrane intrinsic protein PIP2;2 in Arabidopsis and yeast.

Arsenic (As) is a toxic pollutant that mainly enters the human body via plants. Therefore, understanding the strategy for reducing arsenic accumulation in plants is important to human health and the environment. Aquaporins are ubiquitous water channel proteins that bidirectionally transport water across cell membranes and play a role in the transportation of other molecules, such as glycerol, ammonia, boric acid, and arsenic acid.

Mechanism for Higher Tolerance to and Lower Accumulation of Arsenite in -Overexpressing Tobacco.

Arsenite [As(III)] is a highly toxic chemical to all organisms. Previously, we reported that the overexpression of enhanced As(III) tolerance and reduced As(III) accumulation in yeast () and tobacco (). To understand a mechanism for higher As(III) tolerance and lower As(III) accumulation in -overexpressing tobacco, we examined the expression levels of various putative As(III) transporters (aquaporin).

CAX3 (cation/proton exchanger) mediates a Cd tolerance by decreasing ROS through Ca elevation in Arabidopsis.

Over-expression of CAX3 encoding a cation/proton exchanger enhances Cd tolerance by decreasing ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) through activating anti-oxidative enzymes via elevation of Ca level in Arabidopsis CAXs (cation/proton exchangers) are involved in the sequestration of cations such as Mn, Li, and Cd, as well as Ca, from cytosol into the vacuole using proton gradients. In addition, it has been reported that CAX1, 2 and 4 are involved in Cd tolerance. Interestingly, it has been reported that CAX3 expressions were enhanced by Cd in Cd-tolerant transgenic plants expressing Hb1 (hemoglobin 1) or UBC1 (Ub-conjugating enzyme 1).

Genotypic variation for cadmium tolerance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Given the limitation of crop production in Cd-polluted areas, the identification and selection of plant genotypes tolerant to Cd stress are of great significance. In the present work, we show the existence of genotypic variation for Cd tolerance in common bean. The laboratory screening of 25 bean genotypes indicated a significant positive correlation of the mean productivity (MP) and the geometric mean productivity (GMP) with plant fresh weight both in control and Cd-treated plants.

The mechanism of root growth inhibition by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA).

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a harmful environmental contaminant acting as an endocrine disruptor in animals, but it also affects growth and development in plants. Here, we have elucidated the functional mechanism of root growth inhibition by BPA in Arabidopsis thaliana using mutants, reporter lines and a pharmacological approach. In response to 10 ppm BPA, fresh weight and main root length were reduced, while auxin levels increased.