Sheng Jun Feng

TL;DR: OsZIP1 is a transporter that is required for detoxification of excess Zn, Cu and Cd in rice and the DNA methylation of histone H3K9me2 of OsZIP 1 locus is demethylated, suggesting that epigenetic modification is likely associated with OsZip1 function under Cd stress.

TL;DR: In this paper, genome-wide single-base resolution maps of methylated cytosines and transcriptome change in Cd-exposed rice genomes were reported, and a commonly used DNA methylation inhibitor 5azacytidine was employed to investigate whether DNA demethylation affected physiological consequences.

TL;DR: Exogenous provision of heme, the product of AtFC1, partially rescued the Cd-induced toxic phenotype of fc1 mutants by improving the growth of seedlings, generation of glutathione and phytochelatins and GSH/PCs-synthesized gene expression.

TL;DR: An important epigenetic mechanism for Cd uptake and accumulation in food crops, particularly those growing in Cd-contaminated environments, is unveiled and will help develop breeding crops that contribute to food security and better human health.

TL;DR: It is pointed out that expression of OsHIPP29 is able to contribute to Cd detoxification by reducing Cd accumulation in rice plants, with important implications for further developing genotypes that will minimize Cd collection in rice and environmental risks to human health.