Proteomic analysis on salicylic acid-induced salt tolerance in common wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.)

The influence of salicylic acid (SA) on the salt tolerance mechanism in seedlings of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated using physiological measurements combined with global expression profiling (proteomics). In the present study, 0.5 mM SA significantly reduced NaCl-induced growth inhibition in wheat seedlings, manifesting as increased fresh weights, dry weights, and photosynthetic pigments, but decreased lipid peroxidation. Two-week-old wheat seedlings treated with 0.5 mM SA, 250 mM NaCl and 250 mM NaCl + 0.5 mM SA for 3 days were used for the proteomic analyses. In total, 39 proteins differentially regulated by both salt and SA were revealed by 2D PAGE, and 38 proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. The identified proteins were involved in various cellular responses and metabolic processes including signal transduction, stress defense, energy, metabolism, photosynthesis, and others of unknown function. All protein spots involved in signal transduction and the defense response were significantly upregulated by SA under salt stress, suggesting that these proteins could play a role in the SA-induced salt resistance in wheat seedlings.

► We analyzed proteomic changes regulated by SA in salt-stressed wheat seedlings.
► Proteins differentially induced by SA under salt stress were identified.
► Differential proteins involved in signal and stress defense were up-regulated by SA.
► Comparison was made between salt and biotic studies on proteomes regulated by SA.