Manipulating Selenium Metabolism in Plants: A Simple Twist of Metabolic Fate Can Alter Selenium Tolerance and Accumulation

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient for many organisms including humans. But like many trace elements, Se can be toxic at high concentrations and become a public health concern if it accumulates in soils or groundwater. Although higher plants don’t require Se, plants can still accumulate and metabolize Se via the sulfur assimilatory pathway. Genetic manipulation of plant selenium metabolism primarily stems from two areas of interest: it has the potential to improve the phytoremediation of Se in contaminated areas, and it may aid the development of Se-containing phytochemical compounds that possess health benefits. This review highlights studies that have successfully altered Se metabolism in plants, and concludes by focusing on novel genes and pathways that might be targeted to manipulate Se metabolic processes.