RNA sequencing of the main amplicon of alpha-gliadins (the major sources of toxic CD epitopes) from some Aegilops species carrying the D genome
Wheat gluten protein contains toxic peptides that trigger celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals. These toxic peptides primarily are found in gliadin fractions, which are mainly originated from the D subgenome of allohexaploid wheat. Aegilops species are valuable germplasm resources for wheat breeding. In this study, we analyzed the content and composition of alpha-gliadin CD epitopes in ten genotypes from five distinct species of the Aegilops genus: Aegilops tauschii, Aegilops crassa, Aegilops juvenalis, Aegilops cylindrica, and Aegilops ventricosa. This analysis was conducted using RNA sequencing of the main amplicon of alpha-gliadins that includes the most toxic CD peptides. Our results showed significant differences in the types and distribution patterns of identified CD epitopes across various species and accessions.