Toxicological proteomic responses of halophyte Suaeda salsa to lead and zinc

• Lead and zinc induced differential proteomic profiles in the halophyte Suaeda salsa.
• Lead and zinc disturbed the biological process in S. salsa.
• Combined lead and zinc led synergistic and antagonistic effects in S. salsa.

The long term (30 days) toxicological effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb2+ (20 μg/L) and Zn2+ (100 μg/L) were characterized in Suaeda salsa using proteomics techniques. The responsive proteins were related to metabolism (Krebs cycle and Calvin cycle), protein biosynthesis, stress and defense, energy, signaling pathway and photosynthesis in Pb2+, Zn2+ and Pb2++ Zn2+ exposed groups in S. salsa after exposures for 30 days. The proteomic profiles also showed differential responses in S. salsa to metal exposures. In Pb2+-treated group, the proteins were categorized into cystein metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway. The responsive proteins were basically involved in glutathione metabolism, glycolysis, cystein and methane metabolism, and voltage-dependent anion channel in Zn2+-treated group. In Pb2++ Zn2+-treated group, the proecular mechanism at protein level remtein responses were devided into tyrosine metabolism and glycolysis. Our results showed that the two typical heavy metals, lead and zinc, could induce toxicological effects in halophyte S. salsa at protein level.

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