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The STOP1-MATE-Citrate Axis Confers Inorganic Sn Tolerance in Plants
Zixuan Zhao1, Ting He1, Yi Fan1
1Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Biological Invasion and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China.
Plants can tolerate toxic inorganic tin (Sn) by activating the STOP1 transcription factor, which enhances citrate transporter MATE activity. This mechanism helps reduce Sn uptake and oxidative stress, protecting root growth.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Inorganic tin (Sn) is an emerging environmental pollutant.
- The phytotoxicity of Sn and plant detoxification strategies are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of inorganic Sn tolerance in plants.
- To identify key regulators and pathways involved in plant responses to Sn stress.
Main Methods:
- Studied the effects of inorganic Sn on root growth and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in *Lemna minor* and *Arabidopsis*.
- Identified the transcription factor STOP1 as a regulator of Sn tolerance.
- Analyzed the role of the citrate transporter MATE and its relationship with STOP1.
Main Results:
- Inorganic Sn inhibited root growth and increased ROS accumulation.
- STOP1 was identified as a critical regulator conferring Sn tolerance.
- STOP1-mediated tolerance relies on activating the MATE citrate transporter, distinct from Al tolerance (ALMT1 malate transporter).
- Sn stress induced root citrate exudation; *mate* mutants showed hypersensitivity.
- Exogenous citrate application rescued root growth by reducing Sn uptake and ROS.
Conclusions:
- The STOP1-MATE-citrate pathway is a key detoxification mechanism against inorganic Sn.
- Plants utilize distinct organic acid secretion pathways for heavy metal stress adaptation.
- This research provides novel insights into plant heavy metal tolerance and detoxification.
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