Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Its Role in Metal Homeostasis through Metallothionein and Glutathione Mechanisms

Background: Heavy metals are continuously being mobilized into the biosphere either through natural mechanisms or through anthropogenic activities. Ectomycorrhizal fungi forms a symbiotic association with the plant roots and helps them in enhancing growth and protects the plant from various biotic as well as abiotic stresses. Objective: The focus of this review is to comprehend the role of metallothioneins and glutathione metabolism in heavy metal detoxification in ectomycorrhizal fungi. Method: Numerous research papers, articles and chapters have been reviewed to study the mechanisms involved in heavy metal chelation in different organisms. Ectomycorrhizal fungi chelate the metals intracellularly by producing metallothioneins and glutathione. The chelation mechanism has been broadly studied. Results: Ectomycorrhizal fungi play an important role in metal homeostasis by producing intracellular chelators like metallothioneins and glutathione. These chelators are rich in cysteine, having high affinity for binding heavy metals and detoxify them. Conclusion: Since ectomycorrhizal fungi thrive on the metal polluted soil, they become the most potent candidates for bioremediation of the metal polluted soil. Therefore it is necessary to understand the key mechanisms involved in this detoxification process.