Characterization of unique and differentially expressed proteins in anthracnose-tolerant Florida hybrid bunch grapes

Anthracnose is a major disease in Florida hybrid bunch grapes, caused by a fungus viz. Elsinoe ampelina. Florida hybrid bunch grapes are grown in southeastern USA for their superior wine characteristics. However, the effect of anthracnose on grape productivity and wine quality is a major concern to grape growers. Our research is aimed at determining biochemical basis of anthracnose tolerance in Florida hybrid bunch grape. Leaf samples were collected from the plants infected with E. ampelina at different periods and analyzed for differential protein expression using high throughput two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Among the 32 differentially expressed leaf proteins, two were uniquely expressed in tolerant genotypes in response to E. ampelina infection. These proteins were identified as mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthase and glutamine synthetase, which are known to play a major role in carbohydrate metabolism and defense. Several proteins including ribulose 1-5 bisphosphate-carboxylase involved in photosynthesis were found to be suppressed in susceptible genotypes compared to tolerant genotypes following E. ampelina infection. The results indicate that the anthracnose-tolerant genotypes have the ability to up-regulate and induce new proteins upon infection to defend the invasion of the pathogen as well as maintain the normal regulatory processes.