Abstract
Excessive levels of heavy metals in the environment induce toxic effects on food crops and human health. For instance, mercury (Hg) disrupts global plant physiology and metabolism, yet Hg tolerance mechanisms in plants are not well understood at the protein level. Food security would be improved by better knowledge of Hg-induced protein networks, signaling pathways, hormonal control, chaperon biosynthesis, sulfur metabolism, antioxidants, and other Hg detoxification mechanisms. Recent proteomic research has disclosed Hg-responsive proteins involved in gene regulation and metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis, respiration, and defense under stress. Here, we review the mechanisms of proteome modulation by Hg in plants. We discuss techniques such as gel-based and gel-free proteomics, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics.