LmGSTF3 Overexpression Enhances Cadmium Tolerance in Lemna minor

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) has been established to play an important role in regulating the responses of plants to stress, although its function and mechanisms of action in the cadmium (Cd)-tolerant remain unclear. In this study, we sought to identify a Cd-responsive gene from for functional analysis and mechanistic characterization. We accordingly identified a member of the gene family, , which plays a positive role in adaptation of to Cd. Having successfully obtained overexpressing (OE) strains via genetic transformation, we established that these strains were characterized by elevated Cd tolerance compared with the wild-type strain, as evidenced by significant increases in growth rate, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and Cd removal rate. At the transcriptome level, the OE strains were found to have a stronger regulatory ability in response to Cd, particularly with respect to photoprotection, antioxidant defense, and glycolytic metabolism, which may be key factors contributing to the Cd tolerance of . Our findings provide a basis for further elucidating the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the Cd tolerance conferred by genes in and will potentially contribute to the utilization of in remediating aquatic pollution.