Proteomic analysis of the meristematic root zone in contrasting genotypes reveals new insights in drought tolerance in rice

Abstract

Drought is responsible for major losses in rice production. Root tips contain meristematic and elongation zones that play major roles in determination of root traits and adaptive strategies to drought. In this study we analysed two contrasting genotypes of rice: IR64, a lowland, drought-susceptible, and shallow-rooting genotype; and Azucena, an upland, drought-tolerant, and deep-rooting genotype. Samples were collected of root tips of plants grown under control and water deficit stress conditions.Quantitative proteomics analysis resulted in the identification of 7294 proteins from the root tips of IR64 and 6307 proteins from Azucena. Data are available via Pro-teomeXchange with identifier PXD033343. Using a Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis on 4170 differentially abundant proteins, 1138 statistically significant proteins across genotypes and conditions were detected. Twenty two enriched biological processes showing contrasting patterns between two genotypes in response to stress were detected through gene ontology enrichment analysis. This included identification of novel proteins involved in root elongation with specific expression patterns in Azucena, including four Expansins and seven Class III Peroxidases. We also detected an antioxidant network and a metallo-sulfur cluster assembly machinery in Azucena, with roles in reactive oxygen species and iron homeostasis, and positive effects on root cell cycle, growth and elongation.

Investigating the dynamic responses of Aegilops tauschii Coss. to salinity, drought, and nitrogen stress: a comprehensive study of competitive growth and biochemical and molecular pathways

“…Among various abiotic stresses, drought condition significantly decreases the relative water content and photosynthesis activities and hampers cell division process. In addition, it disrupts the delicate balance ROS at the antioxidant level ( Abdirad et al., 2022 ). Different plants including weeds undergo different physiochemical and molecular alterations in response to different abiotic stresses, including drought.…”

Pre-Treatment of Rice Plants with ABA Makes Them More Tolerant to Multiple Abiotic Stress

“…Protein extraction was performed as described previously [54,55], with 50 mg of leaf powder initially suspended in 1.5 mL of 10% trichloroacetic acid in acetone, 0.07% β-mercaptoethanol and incubated at −20 • C for 45 min. The extract was centrifuged for 15 min at 16,000× g at 4 • C, and the pellet was collected and washed with 1.5 mL of 100% acetone followed by centrifugation for 15 min at 16,000× g at 4 • C. The acetone washing step was repeated three times for the complete removal of pigments, lipids and other lipophilic molecules.…”