Comparative proteomic analysis revealed maize (Zea mays L.) response to Setosphaeria turcica early infection

Abstract

Background Globally, maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop. Maize production is severely affected by northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), a destructive foliar disease caused by Setosphaeria turcica. Interaction between maize and S. turcica has not been characterised at protein level. Results We used tandem mass tag labelling and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the proteomes of maize leaves at 24 and 72 h post-inoculation (hpi) with S. turcica. In total, 4,740 proteins were quantified which encoded by 4,711 genes. Clustering analyses provided insight into the dynamic reprogramming of leaves proteomes by revealing the functions of different proteins during S. turcica infection. Screening and classification of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) revealed that numerous defence-related proteins, including defence marker proteins, proteins related to the phenylpropanoid lignin biosynthesis, benzoxazinone biosynthesis and jasmonic acid signal pathway, participated in the defence responses of maize to S. turcica infection. Furthermore, the early induction of GST family proteins could contribute to the resistance of S. turcica. In addition, the protein–protein interaction network of DEPs suggested that some defence-related proteins, e.g. ZmGEB1, play key roles in defence responses against S. turcica infection. Conclusion This study provides insight into the complex defence responses triggered by S. turcica at the protein level, as well as a new basis for studying the interaction process between maize and S. turcica at the earlier stage of infection.