Distinctive protein expression patterns of the strain Brevundimonas sp. ZF12 isolated from the aqueous zone containing high levels of radiation to cadmium-induced stress.

•√ ZF12 strain showed the highest performance for cadmium resistance (30ppm).•√ Protein expression profiles in Brevundimonas sp. ZF12 following exposure to Cd (II).•√ 20 differentially expressed spots were successfully identified by MS/MS analysis.•√ ZF12 tolerates Cd stress by modification of cellular physiology and metabolism.•√ ZF12 has evolved to become resistant to Cd by different energy metabolism strategies.