Potential protein biomarkers for heat tolerance at wheat seedling and ear peep stages.
Description
Heat stress poses a major threat to global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production, with rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves adversely affecting crop yields and grain quality. Understanding wheat’s molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance is crucial for developing resilient varieties. This study validated protein abundance changes under heat stress during ear peep in wheat flag leaf using selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (SRM–MS) in a set of heat-tolerant (Vixen-T) and heat-susceptible (HD2329-S) genotypes. The proteomics samples and flag leaf physiology measurements were taken on days 1, 3 and 5 of heat stress exposure (5 days, for 3 hrs per day) and day 12 after recovery at seedling and ear peep stages, further correlating these changes to physiology and yield data. This study identified key heat-responsive protein biomarkers at seedling and ear peep stage, contributing to breeding efforts to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties. As climate change continues to challenge global food security, these findings offer promising strategies for sustaining wheat production in warmer climates.
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This section describes a pot experiment at The University of Western Australia aimed at assessing heat tolerance in two wheat genotypes (Vixen and HD2329) using standard agronomic practices. The plants were subjected to heat stress at different developmental stages and compared against controls maintained at ambient temperature. Detailed proteomic work identified differentially abundant proteins, with peptide selection tailored for specificity and avoidance of modifications. The LC-MS/MS process involved a detailed elution profile using Thermo Altis QQQ MS, and peptide quantification was normalized using bovine serum albumin as global standards. Physiological measurements and yield assessments were performed at various stages, with data analysis facilitated through software like Skyline and ggplot2.
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Funding
The University of Western Australia