Chinese Bread Wheat Cultivars Research Articles

Integrating the physical and genetic map of bread wheat facilitates the detection of chromosomal rearrangements

The bread wheat genome harbors a high content of repetitive DNA, which is amenable to detection and characterization using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) karyotyping. An integrated genetic map was derived from a recombinant inbred population bred from a cross between a synthetic hexaploid wheat and a commercial Chinese bread wheat cultivar, based on 28 variable FISH sites and >150 000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. The majority (20/28) of the variable FISH sites were physically located within a chromosomal region consistent with the genetic location inferred from that of their co-segregating SNP loci. The eight exceptions reflected the presence of either a translocation (1R/1B, 1A/7A) or a presumptive intra-chromosomal inversion (4A). For eight out of the nine FISH sites detected on the Chinese Spring (CS) karyotype, there was a good match with the reference genome sequence, indicating that the most recent assembly has dealt well with the problem of placing tandem repeats. The integrated genetic map produced for wheat is informative as to the location of blocks of tandemly repeated DNA and can aid in improving the quality of the genome sequence assembly in regions surrounding these blocks.

Physio-Morphological and Biochemical Trait-Based Evaluation of Ethiopian and Chinese Wheat Germplasm for Drought Tolerance at the Seedling Stage

For Ethiopia’s wheat production, drought is a major natural disaster. Exploration of drought-resistant varieties from a bulk of wheat germplasm conserved in the gene bank is of paramount importance for breeding climate change-resilient modern cultivars. The present study was aimed at identifying the best performing drought-resistant genotypes under non-stress and polyethylene glycol simulated (PEG) stress conditions in a growth chamber. Forty diverse Ethiopian bread and durum wheat cultivars along with three Chinese bread wheat cultivars possessing strong drought resistance and susceptibility were evaluated. After acclimation with the natural environment, the seedlings were imposed to severe drought stress (20% PEG6000), and 15 seedling traits including photosynthetic and free proline were investigated. Our findings indicated that drought stress caused a profound decline in plant water consumption (83.0%), shoot fresh weight (64.9%), stomatal conductance (61.6%), root dry weight (55.2%), and other investigated traits except root to shoot length ratio and proline content which showed a significant increase under drought stress. A significant and positive correlation was found between photosynthetic pigments in both growth conditions. Proline exhibited a negative correlation with most of the investigated traits except root to shoot length ratio and all photosynthetic pigments which showed a positive and non-significant association. Our result also showed a wide range of genetic variation (CV) ranging from 3.23% to 47.3%; the highest in shoot dry weight (SDW) (47.3%) followed by proline content (44.63%) and root dry weight (36.03%). Based on multivariate principal component biplot analysis and average sum of ranks (ASR), G12, G16 and G25 were identified as the best drought tolerant and G6, G42, G4, G11, and G9 as bottom five sensitive. The potential of these genotypes offers further investigation at a molecular and cellular level to identify the novel gene associated with the stress response.

Dynamic proteome changes of wheat developing grains in response to water deficit and high-nitrogen fertilizer conditions

This study investigated grain proteomic profiles in response to water deficit, high nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and their combined treatments in elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Jingdong 17, using a two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)-based approach. Water deficit negatively affected the main agronomic traits of wheat and grain yield, while high-N fertilizer had the opposite effects. The application of a high-N fertilizer under water deficit conditions moderately improved kernel development and grain yield. 2D-DIGE led to the identification of 124 differentially accumulated protein (DAP) spots during five different grain developmental stages, corresponding to 97 unique proteins. The more significant changes of DAPs occurred at 10–20 days after flowering. DAPs were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, protein turnover, protein folding, cell cycle control, stress response, nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, and energy metabolism. In particular, water deficit caused a significant downregulation of proteins involved in starch biosynthesis, whereas high-N fertilizer led to a significant upregulation of proteins involved in nitrogen metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and starch biosynthesis. The combined treatment resulted in a moderate upregulation of DAPs related to carbohydrate metabolism, starch biosynthesis, and nitrogen metabolism. Our results indicated that high-N fertilization could alleviate yield loss caused by water deficit by promoting the accumulation of proteins involved in nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism.

Effects of water deficit and different nitrogen fertilizer treatments on the quality of wheat for Chinese fresh white noodles and steamed bread and the composition of storage proteins.

Noodles and steamed bread are popular wheat products consumed worldwide, particularly in China and other Asian countries. We performed the first comprehensive study of the influence of water deficits and different nitrogen fertilizer applications on two elite Chinese bread wheat cultivars, Zhongmai 175 and Jimai 22, which are distinct in gluten strength. These wheat cultivars were tested to determine the qualities that are optimal for the production of Chinese fresh white noodles (CFWN) and northern-style Chinese steamed bread (NCSB), and storage protein composition. Water deficit and high nitrogen (N) fertilizer application promoted total grain protein content and the accumulation of gliadins and glutenins, while low N resulted in the opposite results. Water deficit and high N fertilizer in Jimai 22, with medium-to-strong gluten strength significantly improved NCSB and CFWN qualities. The quality of CFWN under low N, and that of NCSB under both high and low N conditions, was significantly reduced. However, NCSB and CFWN quality in Zhongmai 175 with weak-to-medium gluten strength was not significantly affected by water deficit and different N fertilizer applications. Grain subproteome analysis revealed that considerable cultivar-specific gliadins and glutenins showed significant accumulation changes in response to water deficit and high / low N fertilizer treatment, which could be responsible for NCSB and CFWN quality changes under different treatments. Water deficit and high / low N fertilizer treatments caused changes in cultivar-specific storage protein composition, resulting in differences in the accumulation of gliadins, glutenins, and the quality of NCSB and CFWN. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of phosphorylation proteins in response to water deficit during wheat flag leaf and grain development

BackgroundWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) serves as important grain crop widely cultivated in the world, which is often suffered by drought stress in natural conditions. As one of the most important post translation modifications, protein phosphorylation widely participates in plant abiotic stress regulation. In this study, we performed the first comparative analysis of phosphorylated protein characterization in flag leaves and developing grains of elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Zhongmai 175 under water deficit by combining with proteomic approach and Pro-Q Diamond gel staining.ResultsField experiment showed that water deficit caused significant reduction of plant height, tiller number, ear length and grain yield. 2-DE and Pro-Q Diamond gel staining analysis showed that 58 proteins were phosphorylated among 112 differentially accumulated proteins in response to water deficit, including 20 in the flag leaves and 38 in the developing grains. The phosphorylated proteins from flag leaves mainly involved in photosynthesis, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, while those from developing grains were closely related with detoxification and defense, protein, carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Particularly, water deficit resulted in significant downregulation of phosphorylated modification level in the flag leaves, which could affect photosynthesis and grain yield. However, some important phosphorylated proteins involved in stress defense, energy metabolism and starch biosynthesis were upregulated under water deficit, which could benefit drought tolerance, accelerate grain filling and shorten grain developing time.ConclusionsThe modification level of those identified proteins from flag leaves and grains had great changes when wheat was suffered from water deficit, indicating that phosphoproteins played a key role in response to drought stress. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms how phosphoproteins respond to drought stress and thus reduce production.

Integrated proteome analyses of wheat glume and awn reveal central drought response proteins under water deficit conditions

Main conclusionIntegrated proteome analyses revealed differentially accumulated proteins in the non-leaf green organs in wheat glume and awn that play important roles in photosynthesis and drought resistance.Two non-leaf green organs in wheat, glume and awn, have photosynthetic potential, contribute to grain yield, and also play roles in resistance to adverse conditions. We performed the first integrated proteome analysis of wheat glume and awn in response to water deficit. Water deficit caused a significant decrease in important agronomic traits and grain yield. A total of 120 and 77 differentially accumulated protein (DAP) spots, representing 100 and 67 unique proteins responsive to water deficit, were identified by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) in glumes and awns, respectively, of the elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Zhongmai 175. The DAPs of both organs showed similar functional classification and proportion and were mainly involved in photosynthesis, detoxification/defense, carbon/energy metabolism, and proteometabolism. Comparative proteome analyses revealed many more drought-responsive DAP spots in glumes than in awns, which indicate that glumes underwent more proteome changes in response to water deficit. The main DAPs involved in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism were significantly downregulated, whereas those related to detoxification/defense and energy metabolism were markedly upregulated under water deficit. The potential functions of the identified DAPs revealed an intricate interaction network that responds synergistically to drought stress during grain development. Our results from the proteome perspective illustrate the potential roles of wheat non-leaf green organs glume and awn in photosynthetic and defensive responses under drought stress.

Integrated physiology and proteome analysis of embryo and endosperm highlights complex metabolic networks involved in seed germination in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological and proteomic changes in the embryo and endosperm during seed germination in the elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Zhengmai 366. Upon imbibition, seed size and water content increased rapidly, followed by a series of metabolic changes including increases in soluble sugar content and α-amylase activity, a decrease in starch content, and a rapid increase in plant hormones. In total, 57 and 45 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) from the embryo and endosperm, respectively, were identified at five germination stages (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h). Principal component analysis revealed a significant proteome difference between embryo and endosperm as well as the different germination stages. The largest proteome changes occurred 24 h after seed imbibition. Embryo DAP spots were mainly involved in energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, stress/defense, and protein metabolism; those from the endosperm were primarily related to storage protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed a complicated interaction network between energy-related proteins and other proteins. Metabolic pathway analysis highlighted complex regulatory networks in the embryo and endosperm that regulate wheat seed germination. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of seed germination.

In vivo phosphoproteome characterization reveals key starch granule-binding phosphoproteins involved in wheat water-deficit response

BackgroundDrought stress during grain development causes significant yield loss in cereal production. The phosphorylated modification of starch granule-binding proteins (SGBPs) is an important mechanism regulating wheat starch biosynthesis. In this study, we performed the first proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses of SGBPs in elite Chinese bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Jingdong 17 under well-watered and water-stress conditions.ResultsWater stress treatment caused significant reductions in spike grain numbers and weight, total starch and amylopectin content, and grain yield. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that the quantity of SGBPs was reduced significantly by water-deficit treatment. Phosphoproteome characterization of SGBPs under water-deficit treatment demonstrated a reduced level of phosphorylation of main starch synthesis enzymes, particularly for granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS I), starch synthase II-a (SS II-a), and starch synthase III (SS III). Specifically, the Ser34 site of the GBSSI protein, the Tyr358 site of SS II-a, and the Ser837 site of SS III-a exhibited significant less phosphorylation under water-deficit treatment than well-watered treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of several key genes related with starch biosynthesis detected by qRT-PCR were decreased significantly at 15 days post-anthesis under water-deficit treatment. Immunolocalization showed a clear movement of GBSS I from the periphery to the interior of starch granules during grain development, under both water-deficit and well-watered conditions.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that the reduction in gene expression or transcription level, protein expression and phosphorylation levels of starch biosynthesis related enzymes under water-deficit conditions is responsible for the significant decrease in total starch content and grain yield.

Genome-wide association mapping of starch granule size distribution in common wheat

Starch is a crucial component in wheat endosperm and plays an important role in processing quality. Endosperm of matured wheat grains contains two distinct starch granules (SG), referred to as larger A- and smaller B-granules. In the present study, 166 Chinese bread wheat cultivars planted in four environments were characterized for variation in SG size. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the 90 K SNP assay identified 23 loci for percentage volumes of A- and B-granules, and 25 loci for the ratio of A-/B-granules volumes, distributing on 15 chromosomes. Fifteen MTAs were associated with both the percentage volumes of A-, B-granules and the ratio of A-/B-granules volumes. MTAs IWB34623 and IWA3693 on chromosome 7A and IWB22624 and IWA4574 on chromosome 7B associated with the percentage volumes of A- and B-granules consistently identified in multiple environments were considered to be stable. Linear regression analysis showed a significantly negative correlation of the number of favorable alleles with the percentage volumes of A-granules and a significantly positive correlation between the number of favorable alleles and the percentage volumes of B-granules, respectively. The loci identified in this study and associated markers could provide basis for manipulating SG size to obtain superior noodle quality in wheat.

Functional Analysis of a Wheat AGPase Plastidial Small Subunit with a Truncated Transit Peptide.

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), the key enzyme in starch synthesis, consists of two small subunits and two large subunits with cytosolic and plastidial isoforms. In our previous study, a cDNA sequence encoding the plastidial small subunit (TaAGPS1b) of AGPase in grains of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was isolated and the protein subunit encoded by this gene was characterized as a truncated transit peptide (about 50% shorter than those of other plant AGPS1bs). In the present study, TaAGPS1b was fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in rice protoplast cells, and confocal fluorescence microscopy observations revealed that like other AGPS1b containing the normal transit peptide, TaAGPS1b-GFP was localized in chloroplasts. TaAGPS1b was further overexpressed in a Chinese bread wheat cultivar, and the transgenic wheat lines exhibited a significant increase in endosperm AGPase activities, starch contents, and grain weights. These suggested that TaAGPS1b subunit was targeted into plastids by its truncated transit peptide and it could play an important role in starch synthesis in bread wheat grains.

Genome-Wide Association of Stem Water Soluble Carbohydrates in Bread Wheat.

Water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in stems play an important role in buffering grain yield in wheat against biotic and abiotic stresses; however, knowledge of genes controlling WSC is very limited. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a high-density 90K SNP array to better understand the genetic basis underlying WSC, and to explore marker-based breeding approaches. WSC was evaluated in an association panel comprising 166 Chinese bread wheat cultivars planted in four environments. Fifty two marker-trait associations (MTAs) distributed across 23 loci were identified for phenotypic best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs), and 11 MTAs were identified in two or more environments. Liner regression showed a clear dependence of WSC BLUE scores on numbers of favorable (increasing WSC content) and unfavorable alleles (decreasing WSC), indicating that genotypes with higher numbers of favorable or lower numbers of unfavorable alleles had higher WSC content. In silico analysis of flanking sequences of trait-associated SNPs revealed eight candidate genes related to WSC content grouped into two categories based on the type of encoding proteins, namely, defense response proteins and proteins triggered by environmental stresses. The identified SNPs and candidate genes related to WSC provide opportunities for breeding higher WSC wheat cultivars.

Synthesis and accumulation of glutenin subunits during grain development in bread wheat as revealed by reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC)

Wheat glutenins containing high and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS and LMW-GS) are the major determinants of wheat gluten quality. In this study, the recently developed reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) was used to study the synthesis and accumulation patterns of glutenins during grain development of four Chinese bread wheat cultivars with different gluten quality. Developing grains were collected based on thermal times from 150 °Cd to 750 °Cd at 100 °Cd intervals, and the content of glutenin subunits and their accumulation patterns were determined by RP-UPLC as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results showed that HMW-GS and LMW-GS synthesis were initiated currently at 250 °Cd and they displayed a gradually upregulated expression. All the HMW-GS can be detected at 250 °Cd, earlier than LMW-GS. Different glutenin subunits and genotypes showed clear accumulation diversity during grain development. Particularly, 1Dx5 + 1Dy10 in the cultivar Gaocheng 8901 and Zhongyou 9507 with superior dough properties were accumulated faster at early stages than 1Dx2 + 1Dy12 in Jingdong 8 and Zhengmai 9023 with poor dough quality, suggesting that faster accumulation rate of glutenin proteins at the early stages of grain development may contribute to the formation of superior gluten structure and dough quality.

Transcriptome analysis reveals key differentially expressed genes involved in wheat grain development

Wheat seed development is an important physiological process of seed maturation and directly affects wheat yield and quality. In this study, we performed dynamic transcriptome microarray analysis of an elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar (Jimai 20) during grain development using the GeneChip Wheat Genome Array. Grain morphology and scanning electron microscope observations showed that the period of 11–15days post-anthesis (DPA) was a key stage for the synthesis and accumulation of seed starch. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling and significance analysis of microarrays revealed that the period from 11 to 15 DPA was more important than the 15–20 DPA stage for the synthesis and accumulation of nutritive reserves. Series test of cluster analysis of differential genes revealed five statistically significant gene expression profiles. Gene ontology annotation and enrichment analysis gave further information about differentially expressed genes, and MapMan analysis revealed expression changes within functional groups during seed development. Metabolic pathway network analysis showed that major and minor metabolic pathways regulate one another to ensure regular seed development and nutritive reserve accumulation. We performed gene co-expression network analysis to identify genes that play vital roles in seed development and identified several key genes involved in important metabolic pathways. The transcriptional expression of eight key genes involved in starch and protein synthesis and stress defense was further validated by qRT-PCR. Our results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of wheat seed development and the determinants of yield and quality.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of wheat embryo and endosperm responses to ABA and H2O2 stresses during seed germination.

BackgroundWheat embryo and endosperm play important roles in seed germination, seedling survival, and subsequent vegetative growth. ABA can positively regulate dormancy induction and negatively regulates seed germination at low concentrations, while low H2O2 concentrations promote seed germination of cereal plants. In this report, we performed the first integrative transcriptome analysis of wheat embryo and endosperm responses to ABA and H2O2 stresses.ResultsWe used the GeneChip® Wheat Genome Array to conduct a comparative transcriptome microarray analysis of the embryo and endosperm of elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Zhengmai 9023 in response to ABA and H2O2 treatments during seed germination. Transcriptome profiling showed that after H2O2 and ABA treatments, the 64 differentially expressed genes in the embryo were closely related to DNA synthesis, CHO metabolism, hormone metabolism, and protein degradation, while 121 in the endosperm were involved mainly in storage reserves, transport, biotic and abiotic stresses, hormone metabolism, cell wall metabolism, signaling, and development. Scatter plot analysis showed that ABA treatment increased the similarity of regulated patterns between the two tissues, whereas H2O2 treatment decreased the global expression similarity. MapMan analysis provided a global view of changes in several important metabolism pathways (e.g., energy reserves mobilization, cell wall metabolism, and photosynthesis), as well as related functional groups (e.g., cellular processes, hormones, and signaling and transport) in the embryo and endosperm following exposure of seeds to ABA and H2O2 treatments during germination. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis was used to validate the expression patterns of nine differentially expressed genes.ConclusionsWheat seed germination involves regulation of a large number of genes involved in many functional groups. ABA/H2O2 can repress/promote seed germination by coordinately regulating related gene expression. Our results provide novel insights into the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of embryo and endosperm in response to ABA and H2O2 treatments during seed germination.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2416-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dynamic metabolome profiling reveals significant metabolic changes during grain development of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Metabolites in wheat grains greatly influence nutritional values. Wheat provides proteins, minerals, B-group vitamins and dietary fiber to humans. These metabolites are important to human health. However, the metabolome of the grain during the development of bread wheat has not been studied so far. In this work the first dynamic metabolome of the developing grain of the elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Zhongmai 175 was analyzed, using non-targeted gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for metabolite profiling. In total, 74 metabolites were identified over the grain developmental stages. Metabolite-metabolite correlation analysis revealed that the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, amines and lipids was interrelated. An integrated metabolic map revealed a distinct regulatory profile. The results provide information that can be used by metabolic engineers and molecular breeders to improve wheat grain quality. The present metabolome approach identified dynamic changes in metabolite levels, and correlations among such levels, in developing seeds. The comprehensive metabolic map may be useful when breeding programs seek to improve grain quality. The work highlights the utility of GC/MS-based metabolomics, in conjunction with univariate and multivariate data analysis, when it is sought to understand metabolic changes in developing seeds. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genetic variation of carotenoids in Chinese bread wheat cultivars and the effect of the 1BL.1RS translocation

Carotenoid content of wheat is an important criterion for prediction of the commercial and nutritional value of products made from bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. The objective of this study was to determine the major components of carotenoids in Chinese wheat using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) including lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene and β-carotene. Grain carotenoid content was investigated in 217 cultivars from three major Chinese wheat regions and from seven other countries grown in two environments. Genotype contributed to the majority of variation in carotenoid components. Lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene concentrations varied from 18.3 to 100.1, 4.9 to 12.0 and 0.9 to 48.7 μg per 100 g in wheat flour with an average of 40.2, 7.2 and 18.2 μg per 100 g, respectively. Lutein (61.3%) was the main carotenoid component, followed by β-carotene (27.7%) and zeaxanthin (11.0%). No α-carotene was detected. Total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene were all higher in cultivars with the 1BL.1RS translocation compared to those without the translocation. This is the first report on assay of lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene concentrations for a large number of wheat cultivars. These data will be useful for genetic improve- ment of wheat carotenoid content and for understanding of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in wheat.

Transcriptome analysis of the Chinese bread wheat cultivar Yunong 201 and its ethyl methanesulfonate mutant line

Roche 454 next-generation sequencing was applied to obtain extensive information about the transcriptomes of the bread wheat cultivar Yunong 201 and its EMS mutant line Yunong 3114. Totals of 1.43 million and 1.44 million raw reads were generated, 14,432, 17,845 and 27,867 isotigs were constructed using the reads in Yunong 201, Yunong 3114 and their combination, respectively. Moreover, 29,042, 34,722, and 48,486 unigenes were generated in Yunong 201, Yunong 3114, and combined cultivars, respectively. A total of 50,382 and 59,891 unigenes from the Yunong 201 and Yunong 3114 were mapped on different chromosomes. Of all unigenes, 1363 DEGs were identified in Yunong 201 and Yunong 3114. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression profiles of 40 candidate unigenes possibly related to abiotic stresses. The expression patterns of four annotated DEGs were also verified in the two wheat cultivars under abiotic stresses. This study provided useful information for further analysis of wheat functional genomics.

Molecular survey of Tamyb10-1 genes and their association with grain colour and germinability in Chinese wheat and Aegilops tauschii.

To investigate allelic variation of Myb10-1 genes in Chinese wheat and to examine its association with germination level in wheat, a total of 582 Chinese bread wheat cultivars and 110 Aegilops tauschii accessions were used to identify allelic variations of three Myb10-1 genes. Identification results indicated that there is a novel Tamyb10-B1 allele, designated Tamyb10-B1c, in the five Chinese landraces. The Tamyb10-B1c possibly has a large deletion including Tamyb10-B1 gene. There are three novel Tamyb10-D1 alleles (Aetmyb10-D1c, Aetmyb10-D1d and Aetmyb10-D1e) that were discovered in Aegilops tauschii. Of them, Aetmyb10-D1c allele possessed a 104-bp deletion and this resulted in a frame shift in the open reading frame of the Aetmyb10-D1 gene. AETMYB10-D1d and AETMYB10-D1e proteins possessed three and two different amino acids when compared with TAMYB10-D1b protein, respectively. Association of Tamyb10-1 allelic variation with grain germination level indicated that all five allelic combinations with red grains showed a significantly higher GP (germination percentage) and GI (germination index) values than those of white-grained Tamyb10-A1a/Tamyb10-B1a/Tamyb10-D1a genotype after storing it for one year. Moreover, the Tamyb10-A1b/Tamyb10-B1c/Tamyb10-D1b genotype possesses the significantly highest GP and GI among the six different Tamyb10-1 combinations. This study could provide useful information for wheat breeding programme in terms of grain colour and germination level.

Comparative proteome analysis of embryo and endosperm reveals central differential expression proteins involved in wheat seed germination.

BackgroundWheat seeds provide a staple food and an important protein source for the world’s population. Seed germination is vital to wheat growth and development and directly affects grain yield and quality. In this study, we performed the first comparative proteomic analysis of wheat embryo and endosperm during seed germination.ResultsThe proteomic changes in embryo and endosperm during the four different seed germination stages of elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Zhengmai 9023 were first investigated. In total, 74 and 34 differentially expressed protein (DEP) spots representing 63 and 26 unique proteins were identified in embryo and endosperm, respectively. Eight common DEP were present in both tissues, and 55 and 18 DEP were specific to embryo and endosperm, respectively. These identified DEP spots could be sorted into 13 functional groups, in which the main group was involved in different metabolism pathways, particularly in the reserves necessary for mobilization in preparation for seed germination. The DEPs from the embryo were mainly related to carbohydrate metabolism, proteometabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, and stress-related proteins, whereas those from the endosperm were mainly involved in protein storage, carbohydrate metabolism, inhibitors, stress response, and protein synthesis. During seed germination, both embryo and endosperm had a basic pattern of oxygen consumption, so the proteins related to respiration and energy metabolism were up-regulated or down-regulated along with respiration of wheat seeds. When germination was complete, most storage proteins from the endosperm began to be mobilized, but only a small amount was degraded during germination. Transcription expression of six representative DEP genes at the mRNA level was consistent with their protein expression changes.ConclusionWheat seed germination is a complex process with imbibition, stirring, and germination stages, which involve a series of physiological, morphological, and proteomic changes. The first process is a rapid water uptake, in which the seed coat becomes softer and the physical state of storage materials change gradually. Then the germinated seed enters the second process (a plateau phase) and the third process (the embryonic axes elongation). Seed embryo and endosperm display distinct differentially expressed proteins, and their synergistic expression mechanisms provide a basis for the normal germination of wheat seeds.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-015-0471-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ITRAQ-based quantitative proteome and phosphoprotein characterization reveals the central metabolism changes involved in wheat grain development

BackgroundWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an economically important grain crop. Two-dimensional gel-based approaches are limited by the low identification rate of proteins and lack of accurate protein quantitation. The recently developed isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method allows sensitive and accurate protein quantification. Here, we performed the first iTRAQ-based quantitative proteome and phosphorylated proteins analyses during wheat grain development.ResultsThe proteome profiles and phosphoprotein characterization of the metabolic proteins during grain development of the elite Chinese bread wheat cultivar Yanyou 361 were studied using the iTRAQ-based quantitative proteome approach, TiO2 microcolumns, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among 1,146 non-redundant proteins identified, 421 showed at least 2-fold differences in abundance, and they were identified as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 256 upregulated and 165 downregulated proteins. Of the 421 DEPs, six protein expression patterns were identified, most of which were up, down, and up-down expression patterns. The 421 DEPs were classified into nine functional categories mainly involved in different metabolic processes and located in the membrane and cytoplasm. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that the DEPs involved in starch biosynthesis, storage proteins, and defense/stress-related proteins significantly accumulated at the late grain development stages, while those related to protein synthesis/assembly/degradation and photosynthesis showed an opposite expression model during grain development. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis of 12 representative genes encoding different metabolic proteins showed certain transcriptional and translational expression differences during grain development. Phosphorylated proteins analyses demonstrated that 23 DEPs such as AGPase, sucrose synthase, Hsp90, and serpins were phosphorylated in the developing grains and were mainly involved in starch biosynthesis and stress/defense.ConclusionsOur results revealed a complex quantitative proteome and phosphorylation profile during wheat grain development. Numerous DEPs are involved in grain starch and protein syntheses as well as adverse defense, which set an important basis for wheat yield and quality. Particularly, some key DEPs involved in starch biosynthesis and stress/defense were phosphorylated, suggesting their roles in wheat grain development.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1029) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.