Abstract
To understand complex responses of the roots to rhizotoxic ions, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis followed by bioinfomatics characterization. RNA was isolated from the root of Arabidopsis after exposed to aluminum, copper, cadmium and sodium-chloride stress, then analyzed with genome-wide oligo DNA microarray. Our analyses revealed that both general and specific genes were induced in Arabidopsis roots, when exposed to various rhizotoxic ions. Several defense systems, such as ROS production and disturbance of Ca homeostasis, were triggered by all stressors, while specific defense genes (e.g. gene for AtALMT1, Al-activated malate transporter in Al treatment and gene for DREB transcription factor in NaCl treatment) were also induced by individual stressors. Similar studies in different plant species could help to understand resistance mechanisms at molecular mechanism that can be utilized for marker-assisted selection.
