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Germin-Like Polypeptides Increase in Barley Roots during Salt Stress
W J Hurkman1, H P Tao, C K Tanaka
1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California 94710.
Plant Physiology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root polypeptides, Gs1 and Gs2, similar to wheat germin, were identified and found to increase under salt stress. These heat-stable proteins are present in roots and coleoptiles, accumulating in roots during stress.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Plant stress physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots exhibit increased polypeptide levels under salt stress.
- Two specific polypeptides, Gs1 and Gs2 (26 kDa, pI 6.3 and 6.5), were identified as key components.
- These polypeptides share similarities with germin, a protein found in germinating wheat seeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify polypeptides that increase in barley roots during salt stress.
- To investigate the characteristics, distribution, and regulation of these stress-induced polypeptides.
- To compare their properties with known proteins like germin.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of polypeptides from barley roots.
- Protease resistance and glycosylation assays.
- Immunoblot analysis using antibodies against Gs1 and Gs2 to determine tissue and cellular distribution.
- Analysis of polypeptide response to salt stress and abscisic acid treatment.
Main Results:
- Gs1 and Gs2 were isolated, showing high similarity to wheat germin, and were protease-resistant and glycosylated.
- These polypeptides were found in barley roots and coleoptiles but not leaves, concentrated in the mature root region.
- Gs1 and Gs2 increased in roots and decreased in coleoptiles under salt stress; Gs2 accumulated with abscisic acid, unlike Gs1.
Conclusions:
- Gs1 and Gs2 are heat-stable, glycosylated proteins induced by salt stress in barley roots, with specific tissue distribution.
- Their response to salt stress and abscisic acid suggests distinct roles in plant stress adaptation.
- The findings contribute to understanding barley's molecular response mechanisms to environmental challenges.
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