Abstract
BackgroundAbiotic stress, including heat, is one of the major factors that affect alfalfa growth and forage yield. The small RNA, microRNA156 (miR156), regulates multiple traits in alfalfa during abiotic stress. The aim of this study was to explore the role of miR156 in regulating heat response in alfalfa at the protein level.ResultsIn this study, we compared an empty vector control and miR156 overexpressing (miR156OE) alfalfa plants after exposing them to heat stress (40 °C) for 24 h. We measured physiological parameters of control and miR156OE plants under heat stress, and collected leaf samples for protein analysis. A higher proline and antioxidant contents were detected in miR156OE plants than in controls under heat stress. Protein samples were analyzed by label-free quantification proteomics. Across all samples, a total of 1878 protein groups were detected. Under heat stress, 45 protein groups in the empty vector plants were significantly altered (P < 0.05; |log2FC| > 2). Conversely, 105 protein groups were significantly altered when miR156OE alfalfa was subjected to heat stress, of which 91 were unique to miR156OE plants. The identified protein groups unique to miR156OE plants were related to diverse functions including metabolism, photosynthesis, stress-response and plant defenses. Furthermore, we identified transcription factors in miR156OE plants, which belonged to squamosa promoter binding-like protein, MYB, ethylene responsive factors, AP2 domain, ABA response element binding factor and bZIP families of transcription factors.ConclusionsThese results suggest a positive role for miR156 in heat stress response in alfalfa. They reveal a miR156-regulated network of mechanisms at the protein level to modulate heat responses in alfalfa.
Highlights
Abiotic stress, including heat, is one of the major factors that affect alfalfa growth and forage yield
Proteomic approaches have increasingly been used in plant research, and in particular to study abiotic stress responses as changes in protein abundance play a vital role in stress tolerance [9,10,11,12]
We conducted this research with an aim to identify proteins with differentially altered abundance modulated by miR156 under high temperature
Summary
Abiotic stress, including heat, is one of the major factors that affect alfalfa growth and forage yield. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important leguminous crop that is grown worldwide as forage for livestock feed, and contributes to improved soil quality. Another important feature of this crop is the potential for multiple harvests throughout the growing season, allowing for abundant biomass yield. Another study reported the differential abundance of 81 protein groups under heat stress in alfalfa. These proteins belonged to important functional categories such as metabolism, energy, protein synthesis, signal transduction and defense [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
