Recent advances in physiological and molecular mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation in plants

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2021-12, Vol.28 (46), p.64967-64986
• Main Authors: Feki, Kaouthar, Tounsi, Sana, Mrabet, Moncef, Mhadhbi, Haythem, Brini, Faiçal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abiotic stress; Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Biodegradation, Environmental; Coordination compounds; Detoxification; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental science; Gene expression; Genetic engineering; Heavy metals; Metallothioneins; Metals, Heavy; Molecular modelling; Perturbation; Phytochelatins; Phytoremediation; Plants, Genetically Modified; Review Article; Signal transduction; Signaling; Stress response; Toxicity; Transgenic plants; Vacuoles; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16805-y

Among abiotic stress, the toxicity of metals impacts negatively on plants’ growth and productivity. This toxicity promotes various perturbations in plants at different levels. To withstand stress, plants involve efficient mechanisms through the implication of various signaling pathways. These pathways enhance the expression of many target genes among them gene coding for metal transporters. Various metal transporters which are localized at the plasma membrane and/or at the tonoplast are crucial in metal stress response. Furthermore, metal detoxification is provided by metal-binding proteins like phytochelatins and metallothioneins. The understanding of the molecular basis of metal toxicities signaling pathways and tolerance mechanisms is crucial for genetic engineering to produce transgenic plants that enhance phytoremediation. This review presents an overview of the recent advances in our understanding of metal stress response. Firstly, we described the effect of metal stress on plants. Then, we highlight the mechanisms involved in metal detoxification and the importance of the regulation in the response to heavy metal stress. Finally, we mentioned the importance of genetic engineering for enhancing the phytoremediation technique. In the end, the response to heavy metal stress is complex and implicates various components. Thus, further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in response to this abiotic stress.