Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the coordinated mechanisms of Populus × canadensis ‘Neva’ leaves in response to cadmium stress

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal element has strong toxicity to living organisms. Excessive Cd accumulation directly affects the absorption of mineral elements, inhibits plant tissue development, and even induces mortality. Populus × canadensis ‘Neva’, main afforestation variety planted widely in northern China, was candidate for phytoremediation. However, genes relieving increasing tolerance this species were still unclear. In study, we employed transcriptome sequencing on two Cd–treated cuttings identify key involved stress responses P. ‘Neva’ induced by 0 (CK), 10 (C10), 20 (C20) mg/L Cd(NO3)2 4H2O. We discovered total 2,656 (1,488 up-regulated 1,168 down-regulated) 2,816 DEGs (1,470 1,346 differentially expressed (DEGs) between CK vs C10 C20, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses response indicated that many identified catalytic activity, oxidoreductase transferase biosynthesis secondary metabolites. Based results, potential related calcium ion signal transduction, transcription factors, antioxidant defense system, transporters showed divergent expression patterns under stress. also validated reliability data with real-time PCR. Our findings deeper understanding molecular responsive mechanisms further provide critical resources phytoremediation applications.