Phosphoproteomics: Advances in Research on Cadmium-Exposed Plants

Abstract

With the increasing concern on heavy metal contamination in agriculture and other environmental settings, unraveling the mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) tolerance and response in plants has become highly important. Ongoing plant Cd research over the years has focused on strategic and relevant aspects, including molecular, biochemical, and physiological processes. From this perspective, phosphoproteomics appears to be an innovative and powerful approach to investigating plant responses to Cd stress. Here, we summarize progress in plant Cd research across different plant species regarding large-scale phosphoproteomic investigations. Some studies revealed major proteins participating in detoxification, stress signaling, and metabolism, along with their regulation through phosphorylation, which modulates the plant’s defense against Cd. However, many pathways remain unexplored. Expanding these studies will help our ability to alleviate Cd stress and provide further information concerning involved mechanisms. Our purpose is to inspire researchers to further explore the use of phosphoproteomics in unraveling such complex mechanisms of Cd tolerance and response across various plant species, with the ultimate aim of enhancing strategies for mitigating Cd stress in agriculture and polluted environments.