Molecular identification of differentially expressed Zinc related genes in cultivated bread wheat

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1221508 (Table of Contents)

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient required for adequate growth of plant species. Zinc is particularly needed for structural and functional integrity of enzymes and biological membranes and directly involved in synthesis of protein. Consequently, Zn deficiency results in severe decreases in growth and yield. Among the crop species, wheat is very sensitive to Zn deficiency. There is very limited information on the molecular mechanisms affecting expression of high Zn deficiency tolerance. Our objective in this study is, therefore, to identify the differentially expressed cDNA fragments in response to varying levels of Zn applications in a tolerant cultivated wheat genotype. For this purpose, we performed a screening experiment by using a number of cultivated bread wheat genotypes which displayed a considerable variation in response to Zn deficiency. Among various modern bread wheat genotypes tested, Bezostaja was selected as the most tolerant genotype. mRNA differential display method has been used to study the expression profile of Bezostaja genotype exposed to different Zn treatments. We observed 20 differentially expressed cDNA bands by using mRNA differential display. Out of 20 cDNA fragments that were isolated, cloned and sequenced, 14 cDNAs displayed similarity with previously identified metal Zn binding proteins and enzymes such as; alcohol dehydrogenase, cystathionine gamma synthase, and cation diffusion facilitator family transporter containing protein.