Molecular insights into cadmium transport and micronutrient crosstalk in rice: Towards minimizing grain Cd

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, particularly in Asia. Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice poses serious risks to human health through the food chain. Understanding the mechanisms governing Cd uptake, translocation, and tissue distribution, as well as its interaction with essential metals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), is critical for improving rice safety. Over the past two decades, key transporters involved in Cd and micronutrient homeostasis have been identified, providing insights into their crosstalk and competition. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on Cd and essential metal transport in rice and discuss the challenges and trade-offs in limiting Cd accumulation while maintaining plant growth and micronutrient balance, highlighting strategies for developing rice varieties with reduced Cd content and enhanced food safety.