Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying cadmium tolerance and hormesis effect in roots of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong.
- 2026-03
- Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB 232
- Shu-Qi Niu
- Ting Li
- Xiu-Wen Bao
- Xiao-Lin Qian
- Fei-Lin Yang
- Sheng Wu
- Shi-Yao Li
- Luo-Luo Liang
- Jing Bai
- Si-Jing Liu
- Yang Li
- Jin-Lin Guo
- PubMed: 41722118
- DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111089
Study Design
- Population
- Chuanxiong roots
- Methods
- ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, transcriptome analysis, and enzyme activity assays
- Funding
- Unclear
Ligusticum sinense cv. Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) is threatened by excessive cadmium (Cd), affecting its safety and quality. This study aimed to characterize Cd distribution in Chuanxiong roots (subcellular level) and clarify its key response mechanisms to Cd stress, using ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, and transcriptome analysis. The results showed that Cd was mainly enriched in root cell walls; Cd stress significantly upregulated the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO, +11.50 %), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD, +31.05 %), catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT, +28.28 %), and isocitrate lyase (ICL, +121.93 %) compared with the control; Cd-related genes (NRAMP5, CAX3, YSL7, etc.) and key transcription factors (BHLH162, ERF109, etc.) were markedly upregulated. Furthermore, Chuanxiong roots achieved growth-stress resistance balance (exhibiting hormesis) via the carbon metabolism pathway (the material and energy basis), the sulfur metabolism (the core detoxification pathway), and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (structural and chemical defense). This study provides a theoretical basis for developing precise regulatory techniques to reduce heavy metals (HMs) accumulation in medicinal plants, and thus safeguard their quality and safety.