The genetic engineering of plants to facilitate the reclamation of soils and waters contaminated with inorganic pollutants is a relatively new and evolving field, benefiting from the heterologous expression of genes that increase the capacity of plants to mobilize, stabilize and/or accumulate metals. The efficiency of phytoremediation relies on the mechanisms underlying metal accumulation and tolerance, such as metal uptake, translocation and detoxification. The transfer of genes involved in any of these processes into fast-growing, high-biomass crops may improve their reclamation potential. The successful phytoextraction of metals/metalloids and their accumulation in aerial organs have been achieved by expressing metal ligands or transporters, enzymes involved in sulfur metabolism, enzymes that alter the chemical form or redox state of metals/metalloids and even the components of primary metabolism. This review article considers the potential of genetic engineering as a strategy to improve the phytoremediation capacity of plants in the context of heavy metals and metalloids, using recent case studies to demonstrate the practical application of this approach in the field.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/pce.12963 | DOI Listing |
Elife
December 2024
Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
An unprecedented amount of SARS-CoV-2 data has been accumulated compared with previous infectious diseases, enabling insights into its evolutionary process and more thorough analyses. This study investigates SARS-CoV-2 features as it evolved to evaluate its infectivity. We examined viral sequences and identified the polarity of amino acids in the receptor binding motif (RBM) region.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcol Evol
December 2024
Faculty of Agriculture, Forest and Food Engineering Yibin University Yibin Sichuan China.
Habitat selection in animals results from a careful balance of individual requirements, environmental conditions, and ecological disturbances. Preferences can vary across sexes and ages due to differences in survival and reproductive priorities. Despite this variability, most studies have traditionally focused on isolated aspects of either sex or age-related differences in habitat selection, rather than considering a comprehensive range of influencing factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeliyon
December 2024
State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China.
The global population growth is driving up the demand for agricultural products, while traditional farming methods like those from the Green Revolution are becoming unsustainable due to climate change. To address these challenges and ensure agricultural sustainability, innovative techniques, such as nanotechnology, are essential to meet rising food demands and enhance agricultural sustainability. Nanotechnology, which promotes a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system while enhancing food security, is a key catalyst for the Agri-tech revolution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Microbiol
December 2024
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis that is predicted to worsen in the coming years. While improper antibiotic usage is an established driver, less is known about the impact of other endogenous and exogeneous environmental factors, such as metals, on AMR. One metal of interest is zinc as it is often used as a supplement for diarrhea treatment prior to antibiotics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol
December 2024
Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
Previous genetic studies on the genetic makeup of Arab populations highlight the diversity resulting from the distribution of specific genetic markers among various Arab descendant populations. Different genetic variants classified as clinically significant have been identified, impacting the response to administered drugs. Absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs throughout the human body are managed through the actions of drug transporters and receptor proteins, which are expressed on the cellular membrane.
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