Contribution of Artificially Synthetized Phytochelatin Encoded by the Gene PPH6HIS to Increase the Phytoremediative Qualities of Tobacco Plants

Lines of transgenic plants Nicotiana tabacum L. expressing artificially synthesized gene PPH6HIS were studied in order to evaluate the contribution of the product, the metal binding peptide encoded by this gene, to the realization of the resistance of transformants to the effects of cadmium stress. In the course of the work, eight lines, expressing PPH6HIS that proven by Western blot analysis using His6-tag antibodies were received. An analysis of cadmium accumulation in explants and an assessment of the degree of damage to regenerants under the action of cadmium acetate showed that the lines of transgenic tobacco plants 13, 32, and 76 accumulated more cadmium than other transformed lines and control plants. In these three lines, signs of resistance to cadmium stress were observed, which was expressed in the preservation of the regenerative potential and a significantly lower level of leaf chlorosis in comparison with other lines and controls. These data allow us to conclude that the gene expression product of PPH6HIS , which is metal binding peptide, may be a promising candidate for increasing the accumulative properties of potential phytoremediant plants.