Sedum plumbizincicola is an efficient cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator with strong potential for phytoremediation. Although SpCTP3 has been identified as a key Cd-responsive gene, its functional contribution to Cd tolerance remains partially characterized. Here, SpCTP3-overexpressing (OE) plants displayed increased Cd accumulation, improved growth, and enhanced photochemical efficiency under Cd exposure, providing phenotypic evidence supporting a positive role of SpCTP3 in Cd response. Transcriptomic profiling further indicated that SpCTP3 overexpression modulates pathways related to redox homeostasis and stress signaling. Moreover, we identified a Cd-inducible transcription factor, SpMYB108, that binds to and activates the SpCTP3 promoter. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays confirmed this direct regulatory interaction. Collectively, these results provide integrated phenotypic, transcriptional, and regulatory insights into the role of SpCTP3 in Cd hyperaccumulation.
Keywords: Cd stress; SpCTP3; Transcriptome.
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