Molecular analysis of glyphosate and osmotic stress responsive genes

Official URL: http://192.168.1.20/record=b1301504 (Table of Contents)

Cross species hybridization can provide a tool for elucidating biological pathways conserved among organisms. Based on sequence conservation among grass species, we selected Affymetrix GeneChip® wheat genome array as a tool to analyze changes in gene expression profiles of three Festuca species in response to varying levels of glyphosate. Differences in transcript expression upon glyphosate application at 5% and 20% of the recommended rate were recorded. Differences highlighted metabolic categories, including photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and stress responses. Expression levels of a larger number of transcripts altered with 20% glyphosate. RT-PCR analysis was conducted for experimental validation. This is the first report to analyze the potential of cross species hybridization in Festuca species and the data help extend our knowledge on the cellular processes affected by glyphosate. Autophagy related gene, Atg8 has been used for monitoring autophagy in various organisms. In this study, Atg8 gene was identified in Brachypodium distachyon (named as BdAtg8) under osmotic stress. Expression profile of BdAtg8 was examined in a variety of tissues of different ages and osmotic stress conditions. Expression level of BdAtg8 elevated with osmotic stress, especially in the roots. BdAtg8 complemented atg8Δ[delta]::kan MX yeast mutants grown under starvation conditions. Monodansylcadaverine was used to observe autophagosomes, and autophagy was shown to be constitutively active in Brachypodium. Autophagy was more active in plants exposed to osmotic stress. BdATG8 protein was expressed in yeast and analyzed with western blotting. In conclusion, under osmotic stress conditions, BdAtg8 gene is required for induction of autophagy in Brachypodium.