Co-over expression of Ascorbate Glutathione pathway enzymes improve mercury tolerance in tomato

The genetic modification of plants for the removal of inorganic pollutants from contaminated soil and water bodies is an emerging area for addressing environmental concerns. This approach is based on the ability of plants to take up and accumulate heavy metals, with efficiency being dependent on the underlying mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation and tolerance. A robust antioxidant pathway is determinantal for heavy metal uptake and accumulation and, therefore, in this study, we evaluated the transgenic tomato plants installed with Ascorbate Glutathione (ASA-GSH) pathway genes for uptake, accumulation, and response to mercury (Hg). We observed that ASA-GSH overexpressing lines were resilient to Hg stress as they displayed higher photosynthetic activity and increased photosynthetic gas exchange parameters with a concomitant decrease in ion leakage under Hg stress. Additionally, transgenic lines accumulated high osmolytes and showed enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the results of SEM and confocal microscopy confirmed least damage to plant tissue in ASA-GSH overexpressing lines compared to wild-type under Hg-stress which was further supported by Atomic absorption study that revealed a significant decline in Hg accumulation in the leaves of transgenic lines compared to wild-type under stress conditions. In conclusion, pyramiding of ASA-GSH pathway genes in tomato plants is an efficient approach for the development of Hg-resistant tomato plants and the reclamation of Hg-contaminated sites.