Characterization of early transcriptional responses to cadmium in the root and leaf of Cd-resistant Salix matsudana Koidz

BACKGROUND: Salix matsudana Koidz. is a fast growing tree species. It has a high cadmium (Cd) tolerance capacity, making it potentially suitable for phytoremediation. Presently, transcriptomic and physiological Cd response mechanisms are poorly understood. Transcriptomic analysis in early response to high (50 μM) Cd levels was investigated in leaf and root of Cd-resistant S. matsudana Koidz.. RESULTS: Analysis of the response profiles demonstrate the existence of a complex transcriptional network in the root and leaf when exposed to Cd. The main response in the root involved up-regulation of genes associated with defence response via callose deposition in the cell wall and cell wall thickening. In the leaf, transcripts related to biotic stress signalling and secondary metabolism were activated. Additionally, many lignin and brassinosteroids synthesis pathway genes were induced mainly in the leaf, indicating that gene response to Cd was tissue-specific. The Cd transcriptome results were consistent with observed physiological changes. CONCLUSION: The sub-localization, transcriptional network, and physiological regulation demonstrate the tissue-specific manner of Cd response, and provide a novel insight into in early response of tree species to Cd exposure. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1923-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.