Transcriptomics highlights dose-dependent response of poplar to a phenanthrene contamination

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in industrial soils poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating cost-effective bioremediation approaches like tree-based phytoremediation. However, the defence mechanisms and adaptability of trees to PAH exposure remain poorly understood, while the identification of molecular markers could help in the detection of toxicity symptoms. This study explores the molecular response of Populus canadensis to a phenanthrene (PHE) contamination gradient (from 100 to 2000 mg kg⁻¹) using RNA-seq analysis of roots and leaves after 4 weeks of exposure. Both differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DRomics, a dose–response tool, identified transcriptomic changes, with about 50% of deregulated genes responding significantly at a benchmark dose (i.e. minimal dose that produces a significant effect) below 400 mg PHE kg⁻¹. The highest number of DEGs was found both at a low concentration (200 and 700 mg kg⁻¹) and at the highest concentrations (1500–2000 mg kg⁻¹) for both roots and leaves. Ethylene signalling genes were activated via ABA-independent pathways at low concentrations and ABA-dependent pathways at high concentrations. Across the gradient, responses to oxidative stress were triggered, including reactive oxygen species scavenging and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, specifically at 1500–2000 mg kg⁻¹. Additionally, PHE disrupted pathways related to plant responses to biotic stress. These findings revealed unexpected dose-dependent transcriptomic shifts, demonstrating poplar’s adaptive defence mechanisms against PHE toxicity.

Graphical abstract