Diversity and Evolution of the Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Nickel Hyperaccumulation in Plants
Résumé
Worldwide, more than 450 plant species scattered through 40+ families are known to accumulate >0,1% nickel in their leaf dry matter. These hyperaccumulator plants species can be used to restore nickel mining sites and their biomass valorised to produce nickel with a limited impact on the environment. However, the development of these sustainable phytotechnologies is limited by our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in nickel tolerance and hyperaccumulation. Using RNA-Seq -based comparative transcriptomics and functional studies, we aim to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in nickel tolerance and accumulation in a wide diversity of plant species. Using this original information, we will be able to study the diversity and the evolution of the mechanisms involved in nickel accumulation in plants. These studies will reveal important genes that could be used to support the development of sustainable phytotechnologies such as nickel phytomining and green chemistry.