Work

Selenium nanoparticles mitigate lead-induced genotoxicity and phytotoxicity in Pisum sativum by modulating LOX1 and JAR1 gene expression

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) at 90, 180, and 270 mg L-1 on pea (Pisum sativum L.) and evaluated the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at 10, 30, and 60 mg L-1 to alleviate lead-induced genotoxicity. We analyzed seedling and vegetative growth, DNA damage using the comet assay, and the expression profiles of the stress-related genes LOX1 and JAR1. Pb(NO3)2 significantly inhibited pea growth, leading to severe reductions in shoot and root lengths, biomass, and number of leaves. Conversely, SeNPs alone enhanced these growth parameters and effectively mitigated lead-induced phytotoxicity. The 60 mg L-1 SeNP treatment, especially when combined with lead, demonstrated the most pronounced improvement in shoot and root development. Comet assay analysis in leaf cells revealed a concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage following Pb(NO3)2 exposure. The highest genotoxicity, characterized by increased percentages of tailed DNA, tail lengths, and tail moments, was consistently observed with the 270 mg L-1 Pb(NO3)2 treatment, alone or combined with 10 mg L-1 SeNP. In contrast, the 60 mg L-1 SeNPs+90 mg L-1 Pb(NO3)2 treatment resulted in the lowest DNA damage among lead-exposed groups. Furthermore, 270 mg L-1 Pb(NO3)2 significantly upregulated LOX1 and JAR1 expression. The sole application of 60 mg L-1 SeNPs substantially reduced LOX1 expression below control levels. Notably, the 60 mg L-1 SeNP+270 mg L-1 Pb(NO3)2 combined treatment significantly downregulated the expression of both genes compared to the 270 mg L-1 Pb(NO3)2 treatment alone. These findings suggest that SeNPs can modulate lead-induced stress and mitigate genotoxicity in P. sativum by potentially influencing the LOX1 and JAR1 signaling pathways.

Source: Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca

DOI: 10.15835/nbha53414851