Proteomic analysis of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) grown under conditions of cadmium toxicity

Abstract

Cd is a highly detrimental global environmental pollutant. Plants have evolved complex defense mechanisms as an adaptation to against Cd toxicity. In this study, a pot experiment was performed to evaluate the protein profile of saffron in response to Cd stress. Fifteen proteins were found to be up-regulated in the leaves of plants under Cd stress and were primarily related to metabolism, signal transduction, stress and defense response and energy. Eleven proteins were found to be down-regulated following Cd treatment, including ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), ferredoxin-NADP reductase, a 70 kDa heat shock-related protein and three protein synthesis-associated proteins. The results provide valuable insights regarding the molecular mechanism of saffron in response to Cd toxicity and the possible utilization of genetic resources in developing Cd tolerant/low-accumulation saffron.