PDF1.5 Enhances Adaptation to Low Nitrogen Levels and Cadmium Stress

Abstract

Environmental acclimation ability plays a key role in plant growth, although the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we determined the involvement of Arabidopsis thaliana PLANT DEFENSIN 1 gene AtPDF1.5 in the adaptation to low nitrogen (LN) levels and cadmium (Cd) stress. Histochemical analysis revealed that AtPDF1.5 was mainly expressed in the nodes and carpopodium and was significantly induced in plants exposed to LN conditions and Cd stress. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that AtPDF1.5 was cell wall- and cytoplasm-localized. AtPDF1.5 overexpression significantly enhanced adaptation to LN and Cd stress and enhanced the distribution of metallic elements. The functional disruption of AtPDF1.5 reduced adaptations to LN and Cd stress and impaired metal distribution. Under LN conditions, the nitrate transporter AtNRT1.5 expression was upregulated. Nitrate transporter AtNRT1.8 expression was downregulated when AtPDF1.5 was overexpressed, resulting in enhanced transport of NO3− to shoots. In response to Cd treatment, AtPDF1.5 regulated the expression of metal transporter genes AtHMP07, AtNRAMP4, AtNRAMP1, and AtHIPP3, resulting in higher Cd accumulation in the shoots. We conclude that AtPDF1.5 is involved in the processing or transmission of signal substances and plays an important role in the remediation of Cd pollution and LN adaptation.

Metalloprotein-Specific or Critical Amino Acid Residues: Perspectives on Plant-Precise Detoxification and Recognition Mechanisms under Cadmium Stress

“…The PDF1.5 is located in the cell wall and may detoxify Cd by chelating Cd to the cell wall [61]. PDF has a characteristic three-dimensional folding pattern, which is stabilized by eight disulfide bonds between cysteines [72]. Cysteine and other key residues are necessary to induce changes in the three-dimensional structure of AtPDF, which can mediate and increase yeast tolerance to Cd [73].…”