Overexpression of AtHMA4 enhances root-to-shoot translocation of zinc and cadmium and plant metal tolerance

AtHMA4 is an Arabidopsis thaliana P-1B-ATPase which transports Zn and Cd. Here, we demonstrate that AtHMA4 is localized at the plasma membrane and expressed in tissues surrounding the root vascular vessels. The ectopic overexpression of AtHMA4 improved the root growth in the presence of toxic concentrations of Zn, Cd and Co. A null mutant exhibited a lower translocation of Zn and Cd from the roots to shoot. In contrast, the AtHMA4 overexpressing lines displayed an increase in the zinc and cadmium shoot content. Altogether, these results strongly indicate that AtHMA4 plays a role in metal loading in the xylem. (C) 2004 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.