Proteomic analysis of soybean seedling leaf under waterlogging stress in a time-dependent manner

•Time-dependent response mechanisms of soybean under waterlogging was analyzed using proteomics.•Proteins related to cell metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle were responsive to stress.•Osmotin, carbonic anhydrases, and aldolase were increased and ucleolins were decreased.•Hydroxypyruvate reductase activity was markedly decreased under waterlogging stress.

Leaf is sensitive to environmental changes and exhibits specific responses to abiotic stress. To identify the response mechanism in soybean leaf under waterlogging stress, a gel-free/label-free proteomic technique combined with polyethylene glycol fractionation was used. Attenuated photosynthesis by waterlogging stress in the leaf of soybean seedlings was indicated from proteomic results. Defensive mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging was also recognized. Cluster analysis revealed that proteins that exhibit characteristic dynamics in response to waterlogging were mainly related to photosynthesis. Among the identified photorespiration-related proteins, the protein abundance and enzyme activity of hydroxypyruvate reductase were transiently increased in control plants, but were clearly decreased in response to waterlogging stress. These results suggest that waterlogging directly impairs photosynthesis and photorespiration. Furthermore, hydroxypyruvate reductase may be a critical enzyme controlling the rate of photorespiration.

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