Biopriming-Induced Transcriptomic Memory Enhances Cadmium Tolerance in the Cd Hyperaccumulator Silene sendtneri

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Seed biopriming is a promising technique to improve plant stress tolerance.
• Heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), pose significant threats to plant health and agricultural productivity.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind biopriming-induced stress tolerance is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how biopriming Silene sendtneri seeds with Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN affects transcriptional changes and cadmium tolerance.
• To elucidate the molecular memory established by biopriming.
• To assess the potential of biopriming for enhancing phytoremediation strategies.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) for global gene expression profiling of primed and unprimed seeds.
• Physiological assays to evaluate plant performance under cadmium stress.
• Analysis of antioxidant activity, osmolyte accumulation, and metal content.

Main Results:

• Biopriming induced differential gene expression in seeds prior to cadmium exposure, upregulating detoxification, antioxidant, and transport genes.
• Primed plants showed enhanced physiological performance, including preserved integrity and elevated antioxidant activity.
• Increased cadmium uptake and sequestration were observed in primed plants, indicating improved tolerance.

Conclusions:

• Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN-based biopriming establishes a stable transcriptomic memory in seeds.
• This molecular memory enhances cadmium tolerance, metal sequestration, and overall stress resilience in Silene sendtneri.
• Biopriming holds potential for improving hyperaccumulator performance in phytoremediation and stress adaptation.