Protein polymorphism between 2 Picea abies populations revealed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry.
In species with high gene flow and consequent low interpopulation differentiation over wide geographic ranges, differential gene expression along ecological gradients often reveals adaptive significance. We investigated potential differences in protein expression between Picea abies ecotypes adapted to contrasting altitude conditions. Protein expression patterns were compared between needles and roots of 2-month-old P. abies seedlings by means of 2-dimensional electrophoresis. Proteins exhibiting differential expression between the 2 ecotypes were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 19 proteins exhibited qualitative or quantitative polymorphism between the 2 populations. These proteins exhibited organ-specific expression, and the level of interpopulation protein polymorphism was organ dependent. Among differentially expressed proteins, we identified proteins involved in photosynthesis, photorespiration, root tracheary element differentiation, and transmitochondrial membrane transport. Our results show that P. abies seedlings from locally adapted ecotypes exhibit consistent differences in protein expression. The expression polymorphism of some of these proteins has potential adaptive significance.
Valcu
Cristina-Maria
CM
Section of Forest Genetics, Technische Universität München, Am Hochanger 13, D-85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany. valcu@wzw.tum.de
Lalanne
Céline
C
Müller-Starck
Gerhard
G
Plomion
Christophe
C
Schlink
Katja
K
D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D028222:Picea / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D036226:Seedlings / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D010940:Plant Proteins