NtGCN2 confers cadmium tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum L. by regulating cadmium uptake, efflux, and subcellular distribution

General control non-derepressible-2 (GCN2) is widely expressed in eukaryotes and responds to biotic and abiotic stressors. However, the precise function and mechanism of action of GCN2 in response to cadmium (Cd) stress in Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco) remains unclear. We investigated the role of NtGCN2 in Cd tolerance and explored the mechanism by which NtGCN2 responds to Cd stress in tobacco by exposing NtGCN2 transgenic tobacco lines to different concentrations of CdCl2. NtGCN2 was activated under 50 μmol·L−1 CdCl2 stress and enhanced the Cd tolerance and photosynthetic capacities of tobacco by increasing chlorophyll content and antioxidant capacity by upregulating NtSOD, NtPOD, and NtCAT expression and corresponding enzyme activities and decreasing malondialdehyde and O2·- contents. NtGCN2 enhanced the osmoregulatory capacity of tobacco by elevating proline (Pro) and soluble sugar contents and maintaining low levels of relative conductivity. Finally, NtGCN2 enhanced Cd tolerance in tobacco by reducing Cd uptake and translocation, promoting Cd efflux, and regulating Cd subcellular distribution. In conclusion, NtGCN2 improves the tolerance of tobacco to Cd through a series of mechanisms, namely, increasing antioxidant, photosynthetic, and osmoregulation capacities and regulating Cd uptake, translocation, efflux, and subcellular distribution. This study provides a scientific basis for further exploration of the role of NtGCN2 in plant responses to Cd stress and enhancement of the Cd stress signaling network in tobacco. [Display omitted] •NtGCN2 is induced by Cd stress.•NtGCN2 enhances Cd tolerance by improving photosynthetic, antioxidant, and osmotic adjustment capacities in tobacco.•NtGCN2 enhances Cd tolerance by inhibiting Cd uptake, promoting Cd efflux, reducing Cd accumulation in tobacco.•NtGCN2 enhances Cd tolerance by decreasing Cd translocation, regulating Cd subcellular distribution in tobacco.