Enhanced Cadmium Accumulation and Tolerance in Transgenic Hairy Roots of L. Expressing Iron-Regulated Transporter Gene .

L., a hyperaccumulator of cadmium (Cd), is regarded as a promising candidate for phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution. In the present study, the hairy roots of L. were selected as a model plant system to study the potential application of Iron-regulated Transporter Gene () for the efficient phytoremediation of Cd pollution. The transgenic hairy roots of L. expressing the gene from were successfully obtained via the -mediated method. Expression of reduced Cd stress-induced phytotoxic effects. Significantly superior root growth, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and less cell apoptosis were observed in the transgenic hairy roots of L. compared to the wild-type lines under Cd stress. Enhanced Cd accumulation was also carried out in the transgenic hairy roots compared to the control (886.8 μg/g vs. 745.0 μg/g). These results provide an important understanding of the Cd tolerance mechanism of transgenic hairy roots of L., and are of particular importance to the development of a transgenic candidate for efficient phytoremediation process.