The team of Professor Xu Weihong from the College of Resources and Environment at Southwest University recently collaborated with Professor Lu Kun and Professor Chai Yourong from the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology at the same university to publish a research article in the "Journal of Hazardous Materials." They revealed the molecular mechanism by which the CaHMA1 gene promotes the accumulation of cadmium in chili peppers.

 

By conducting a genome-wide association analysis of cadmium content in 186 chili pepper germplasms, the researchers identified CaHMA1 as the key gene controlling cadmium content in chili pepper fruits. Experiments showed that overexpression of CaHMA1 increased yeast sensitivity to cadmium and significantly elevated cadmium levels in Arabidopsis plants. Silencing the expression of CaHMA1 in chili pepper fruits using gene silencing techniques led to a significant reduction in cadmium content.

 

The study suggests that the overexpression of CaHMA1 is likely an important mechanism leading to the high cadmium accumulation in chili pepper fruits. This research elucidates the molecular mechanism by which CaHMA1 promotes cadmium accumulation in chili pepper fruits, providing a new strategy for breeding chili pepper varieties with low cadmium accumulation. This is of great significance for ensuring the green and sustainable development of the chili pepper industry in China.