A simple extraction and one-step SDS–PAGE system for separating HMW And LMW glutenin subunits of wheat and high molecular weight proteins of rye

Abstract

Wheat and rye grain storage proteins were extracted with 50% (v/v) propan-1-ol at 60 °C, and, following reduction with dithiothreitol (DTT), separated in a new, one-step SDS–PAGE system. This system facilitated the simultaneous separation of all the common high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits (including 2 and 2*), low molecular weight (LMW) B-group glutenin subunits, omega-gliadins and ‘E’ group glutenin subunits or wheat as well as the high molecular weight rye storage proteins coded by genes on chromosomes 1R and 2R. In addition to characterizing wheat cultivars in terms of high and low molecular weight glutenin protein composition, this system can be used also to characterize wheat rye chromosome translocation and substitution lines involving the group 1 chromosomes, and to identify substituted triticales in which chromosome 2D of wheat has been substituted for chromosome 2R of rye. This simple technique should be applicable to routine screening of large numbers of lines in breeding programs and to cultivar identification.