Cadmium, as a toxic heavy metal, has detrimental effects on plant growth an‎d yield. Among genes related to Cd, LCT1 gene plays a key role in cadmium tolerance. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of LCT1 gene in response to different cadmium levels in various tissues of Pishgam wheat cultivar. The experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely ran‎domized design with three factors: cadmium concentration (0, 5, an‎d 10 mg/kg soil), tissue (root an‎d leaf blade), an‎d growth stage (tillering an‎d flowering) with three replications. After soil treatment an‎d plant cultivation under controlled conditions, sampling was performed at specific growth stages. RNA was extracted using LiCl method, an‎d after genomic DNA removal, cDNA was synthesized. Gene expression was measured by Real-Time PCR using specific primers. Data were analyzed by ΔΔCt method using actin gene as reference. Results showed that LCT1 gene expression was significantly affected by tissue type, growth stage an‎d cadmium concentration. The highest expression level was observed in root tissue, averaging 2.8-fold higher than leaf blade. The tillering stage showed stronger defense response with 1.3-fold higher expression compared to flowering stage. Although no significant difference was observed between 5 an‎d 10 mg/kg cadmium treatments, both showed significant increase compared to control. The maximum gene expression was recorded in the combined treatment of root tissue, tillering stage an‎d 5 mg/kg cadmium concentration. These findings demonstrate that LCT1 gene plays an important role in response to cadmium stress in Pishgam wheat cultivar an‎d can be used as a molecular marker in breeding programs for developing tolerant varieties.

ابوذر سورني , بدرالدين ابراهيم سيدطباطبايي

مجيد طالبي , امير مساح