Variability and expression profile of the DRF1 gene in four cultivars of durum wheat and one triticale under moderate water stress conditions

Abstract

The dehydration responsive element binding (DREB) proteins are important transcription factors that contribute to stress endurance in plants triggering the expression of a set of abiotic stress-related genes. A DREB2-related gene, previously referred to as dehydration responsive factor 1 (DRF1) was originally isolated and characterized in durum wheat. The aim of this study was to monitor the expression profiles of three alternatively spliced TdDRF1 transcripts during dehydration experiments and to evaluate the effects of genetic diversity on the molecular response, using experimental conditions reflecting as closely as possible water stress perceived by cereals in open field. To investigate the effect of moderate water stress conditions, time-course dehydration experiments were carried out under controlled conditions in the greenhouse on four durum wheat and one triticale genotypes. Differences were observed in molecular patterns, thus, suggesting a genotype dependency of the DRF1 gene expression in response to the stress induced. The biodiversity of the transcripts of the DRF1 gene was explored in order to assess the level of polymorphism and its possible effects on structure and function of putative proteins. A total of nine haplotypes were identified in the sequences cloned, seven of which encompassing polymorphisms in exon 4, including the region codifying for the DNA binding Apetala2 (AP2) domain. The 3D structural models of the AP2 domain were generated by homology modelling using the variability observed. The polymorphisms analysed did not significantly affect the structural arrangement of the DNA binding domains, thus resulting compatible with the putative functionality.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Differentially Affects the Nutritional Status of Two Durum Wheat Genotypes under Drought Conditions

“…Another related gene belonging to the dehydration responsive element binding protein (DREB) family that has been reported and characterized in durum wheat is TdDRF1 , and its expression is related to water deficit response [ 80 ]. In the present study, TdDRF1 was also upregulated in the presence of AMF in Svevo plants under drought stress.…”

Exploring Agronomic and Physiological Traits Associated With the Differences in Productivity Between Triticale and Bread Wheat in Mediterranean Environments

“…The comparison between cereals in terms of traits associated with drought tolerance (Sinha et al, 1986; Lonbani and Arzani, 2011; Roohi et al, 2013; Kumar et al, 2014), source limitations (Calderini et al, 2006; Motzo et al, 2013), yield potential (Ugarte et al, 2007; Villegas et al, 2010; Bassu et al, 2011; Estrada-Campuzano et al, 2012; Motzo et al, 2015), molecular markers and gene expression (Kavanagh et al, 2013; Latini et al, 2013), among others, contribute to understand the physiological basis of crop production. In our study, the comparison between the best spring cultivars of triticale and bread wheat indicated that triticale outyielded bread wheat in a wide range of environments (Figure 1).…”

Analysis of mRNA Levels of Ten Genes Under Water Stress in Triticum turgidum subsp. durum

“…A. Latini isolated and characterized the gene TdDRF1 in Triticum durum which produces three forms of transcripts through alternative splicing. Among the three isoforms, TdDRF1.2 was at all times the most expressed during water stress (Latini et al, 2007;Latini et al, 2008;Latini et al, 2013). In contrast, the upper expressions of this transcript during water stress; suggest its important role in stress response in Triticum durum.…”