A Fox-hunting Based Genome-wide Screening Of Genes For Cd Tolerance/Accumulation In Rice

Abstract

Functional genes related to the Cd tolerance/accumulation were identified in rice using a recently developed genome-wide gene screening procedure, Full-length cDNA Over-eXpressor gene (FOX) hunting system. For screening of Cd tolerance related genes, the T0 FOX-rice calli cultured on a Cd-containing medium were digitally analyzed for their growth rates. For screening of Cd accumulation related genes, Cd contents in the T2 FOX-rice seedlings were quantified after a few days culture with Cd. In addition to Cd measurement, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn contents were also measured in the same seedlings. So far, we have analyzed more than 10,000 FOX-rice calli and 500 FOX-rice seedlings, and obtained about 100 Cd tolerance-enhanced calli and 130 Cd/the other metal content-changed seedlings. Those contained some known genes related to Cd-stress responsive one, such as phytochelatin, kinases, transporters and anti-oxidant function, and many possibly functional unknown genes.