Proteomic characterization of Phragmites communis in ecotypes of swamp and desert dune

Abstract

Phragmites communis Trin. (common reed) is a recognized model plant for studying its adaptation to contrasting and harsh environments. To understand the inherent molecular basis for its remarkable resistance to combined stresses, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis of the leaf proteins from two ecotypes, i.e. swamp and desert dune, naturally growing in the desert region of northwestern China. First, a proteome reference map of Phragmites was established based on the swamp ecotype. Proteins were resolved by 2-D/SDS-PAGE and identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. In total, 177 spots were identified corresponding to 51 proteins. The major proteins identified are proteins involved in photosynthesis, glutathione and ascorbic acid metabolism as well as protein synthesis and quality control. Second, the 2-DE profiles of the two ecotypes were compared quantitatively via DIGE analysis. Compared with swamp ecotype, 51 proteins spots are higher-expressed and 58 protein spots are lower-expressed by twofold or more in desert dune ecotype. Major differences were found for the proteins involved in light reaction of photosynthesis, protein biosynthesis and quality control and antioxidative reactions. The physiological significance of such differences is discussed in the context of a flow of complex events in relation to plant adaptation to combined environmental stresses.

Comparative proteomics illustrates the complexity of drought resistance mechanisms in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars under dehydration and rehydration

“…Second, a large number of drought-responsive genes and specific protective proteins were induced for drought tolerance [10, 11]. These drought stress-related transcripts and proteins are mostly involved in signalling transduction and activation/regulation of transcription, antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers [12]. Most of the important transcription regulon in drought-induced ABA signalling pathways have been identified, such as dehydration-responsive element binding protein (DREB), C-repeat-binding factor (CBF), ABA-responsive element binding protein (AREB), ABA-binding factor (ABF), myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) and myeloblastosis oncogene (MYB) [13–15].…”

A Proteome Translocation Response to Complex Desert Stress Environments in Perennial Phragmites Sympatric Ecotypes with Contrasting Water Availability

“…Of these, the ecotypes known as SR (swamp reed) and DR (desert-dune reed) are two sympatric populations, which were derived from long-term evolution in contrasting environments, i.e., aquatic habitats and desert dune habitats, respectively (Zhu et al, 2003). Since they are located within a narrow area (less than 6.5 km 2 ), the two sympatric ecotypes of Phragmites share similar meteorological conditions (Cui et al, 2009). Therefore, they are an ideal model for studying plant adaptation to long-term multifactorial stresses.…”

“…Over a span of 20 years, the alteration in morphology and ultrastructure, physiological distinction, variations of cellular components as well as enzyme polymorphisms have been extensively investigated in the two ecotypes of Phragmites (Chen and Zhang, 1991; Wang et al, 1995; Zheng et al, 2000; Cheng et al, 2001; Zhu et al, 2001; Chen et al, 2003, 2007; Gong et al, 2003; Zhao et al, 2004; Cui et al, 2005). Compared with SR, DR growing on natural dunes produces short and small shoots, narrow leaves with huge vascular bundles, and a highly lignified and suberized cell wall (Wang et al, 1995; Cui et al, 2009); its efficiency of photosynthesis is dramatically decreased (Zhu and Zhang, 2000), but its antioxidant system is very active (Zhu et al, 2001; Chen et al, 2003; Cui et al, 2009). Recent efforts have been directed at the analysis of differential protein expression between SR and DR.…”

“…The large-scale proteomics analyses were conducted using quantitative fluorescence difference in gel electrophoresis (DIGE), in combination with MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Forty-five differentially expressed proteins in key path ways were identified (Cui et al, 2009). All differentially expressed proteins involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis had a dramatically lower expression, whereas those involved in protein biosynthesis and quality control were usually highly expressed in DR (Cui et al, 2009).…”

“…Forty-five differentially expressed proteins in key path ways were identified (Cui et al, 2009). All differentially expressed proteins involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis had a dramatically lower expression, whereas those involved in protein biosynthesis and quality control were usually highly expressed in DR (Cui et al, 2009). In addition, active ascorbate and glutathione metabolism also operated in DR (Cui et al, 2009).…”