Overexpressing the Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Increased Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Transgenic .

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a very important reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzyme. In this study, the functions of a gene (), from , a cadmium (Cd)/zinc/lead co-hyperaccumulator of the Crassulaceae, was characterized. The expression of was induced by Cd stress. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, overexpression of gene in transgenic plants enhanced the antioxidative defense capacity, including SOD and peroxidase activities. Additionally, it reduced the damage associated with the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide (HO) and superoxide radicals (O). The influence of Cd stress on ion flux across the root surface showed that overexpressing in transgenic plants has greater Cd uptake capacity existed in roots. A co-expression network based on microarray data showed possible oxidative regulation in after Cd-induced oxidative stress, suggesting that S may participate in this network and enhance ROS-scavenging capability under Cd stress. Taken together, these results suggest that overexpressing increased oxidative stress resistance in transgenic and provide useful information for understanding the role of in response to abiotic stress.