Proteomic analysis of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) hybrid necrosis

Comparison of protein expression in necrotic leaves and in normal leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) showed that the abundance of 39 proteins was changed significantly, and 26 of these proteins were identified. Analysis of the function of the differentially expressed proteins in the necrotic hybrid leaves showed that the cytoprotective heat shock proteins may be induced to maintain the integrity of other proteins, facilitating the intercellular transportation of vital cellular enzymes upon necrosis. The increased abundance of NADH dehydrogenase indicated that the chloroplasts of necrotic leaves were under photo-oxidative stress. In addition, the light and dark events of photosynthesis were impacted differently during necrosis. The increased abundance of the hormone-sensitive enzymes phospholipase and β-1,3-glucanase suggested that the level of plant hormones may be increased in necrotic leaves. Both DNA helicase and maturase K were down-regulated in necrotic leaves, indicating basic genetic processes, including replication, repair, recombination, transcription and translation, were impacted during necrosis. The results of this study give a comprehensive picture of the post-transcriptional response to necrosis in hybrid wheat leaves and serve as a platform for further characterization of gene function and regulation in wheat hybrid necrosis.