Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of metal tolerance protein (MTP) gene family in soybean (Glycine max) under heavy metal stress.

AIM: Plant metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) are plant membrane divalent cation transporters that specifically contribute to heavy metal stress resistance and mineral uptake. However, little is known about this family's molecular behaviors and biological activities in soybean. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 20 potential MTP candidate genes were identified and studied in the soybean genome for phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal distributions, gene structures, gene ontology, cis-elements, and previous gene expression. Furthermore, the expression of MTPs has been investigated under different heavy metals treatments. All identified soybean MTPs (GmaMTPs) contain a cation efflux domain or a ZT dimer and are further divided into three primary cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) groups: Mn-CDFs, Zn-CDFs, and Fe/Zn-CDFs. The developmental analysis reveals that segmental duplication contributes to the GmaMTP family's expansion. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed comparative expression profiling in similar groups, although gene expression differed between groups. GmaMTP genes displayed biased responses in either plant leaves or roots when treated with heavy metal. In the leaves and roots, nine and ten GmaMTPs responded to at least one metal ion treatment. Furthermore, in most heavy metal treatments, GmaMTP1.1, GmaMTP1.2, GmaMTP3.1, GmaMTP3.2, GmaMTP4.1, and GmaMTP4.3 exhibited significant expression responses. CONCLUSION: Our findings provided insight into the evolution of MTPs in soybean. Overall, our findings shed light on the evolution of the MTP gene family in soybean and pave the path for further functional characterization of this gene family.

Agri-Nanotechnology and Tree Nanobionics: Augmentation in Crop Yield, Biosafety, and Biomass Accumulation.

Nanomaterials (NMs) are the leading edge as an amazing class of materials that consists of at least one dimension in the range of 1-100 nm. NMs can be made with exceptional magnetic, electrical, and catalytic properties different from their bulk counterparts. We summarized unique features of NMs, their synthesis, and advances in agri-nanotechnology and cutting-edge nanobionics. The review describes advances in NMs including their applications, dosimetry to ensure biosafety, remote sensing of agro-forestry fields, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides, and avoid post-harvest losses, gene delivery, and nanobionics. Tree nanobionics has enabled the synthesis and delivery of nanosensors, which enhance the rate of photosynthesis, detection of pathogens, and poisonous residues to ensure biosafety and biomass accumulation. Finally, we conclude by discussing challenges, future perspectives, and agro-ecological risks of using NMs.