Overexpression of NTPCS1 Enhances Zn Tolerance in Tobacco.

Phytochelatins (PCs) are well-characterized for their role in detoxifying non-essential metals like cadmium (Cd), but their role in zinc (Zn) homeostasis remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of the phytochelatin synthase 1 () in counteracting Zn toxicity in plants. qRT-PCR data showed that the transcript level of the gene was upregulated by ZnSO, leading to increased PC production in the wild-type tobacco plants. Functional complementation assays in revealed that overexpression of rescued the Zn hypersensitivity of the mutant, with the N-terminal region being indispensable for Zn tolerance. In addition, transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing (PCS1 lines) exhibited superior root elongation under ZnSO stress compared to the wild-type plants, particularly when supplemented with glutathione (GSH). The observed phenotypic advantage is attributed to -mediated overproduction of PCs, which facilitated Zn chelation and enabled cellular detoxification. These findings highlight the important role of NtPCS1 in Zn tolerance via GSH-linked PCs synthesis, offering insights into -mediated Zn detoxification and a genetic strategy for developing Zn-resistant plants.