bims-plasge Biomed News
on Plastid genes
Issue of 2024‒11‒03
two papers selected by
Vera S. Bogdanova, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences



  1. Plant Genome. 2024 Oct 29. e20510
      Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important temperate legume crop providing plant-based proteins for food and feed worldwide. Pea yield can be limited by several biotic stresses, among which rust represents a major limiting factor in many temperate and subtropical regions. Some efforts have been made to assess the natural variation in pea resistance to rust, but its efficient exploitation in breeding is limited since the resistance loci identified so far are scarce and their responsible gene(s) unknown. To overcome this knowledge gap, a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been performed on pea rust, caused by Uromyces pisi, to uncover genetic loci associated with resistance. Utilizing a diverse collection of 320 pea accessions, we evaluated phenotypic responses to two rust isolates using both traditional methods and advanced image-based phenotyping. We detected 95 significant trait-marker associations using a set of 26,045 Diversity Arrays Technology-sequencing polymorphic markers. Our in silico analysis identified 62 candidate genes putatively involved in rust resistance, grouped into different functional categories such as gene expression regulation, vesicle trafficking, cell wall biosynthesis, and hormonal signaling. This research highlights the potential of GWAS to identify molecular markers associated with resistance and candidate genes against pea rust, offering new targets for precision breeding. By integrating our findings into current breeding programs, we can facilitate the development of pea varieties with improved resistance to rust, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and food security. This study sets the stage for future functional genomic analyses and the application of genomic selection approaches to enhance disease resistance in peas.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20510
  2. Proteomics. 2024 Oct 30. e2300363
      Seed development is complex, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Understanding proteome profiles at different seed developmental stages is key to improving seed composition and quality. We used label-free quantitative proteomics to analyze round and wrinkled pea seeds at five growth stages: 4, 7, 12, 15, and days after anthesis (DAA), and at maturity. Wrinkled peas had lower starch content (30%) compared to round peas (47%-55%). Proteomic analysis identified 3659 protein groups, with 21%-24% shared across growth stages. More proteins were identified during early seed development than at maturity. Statistical analysis found 735 significantly different proteins between wrinkled and round seeds, regardless of the growth stage. The detected proteins were categorized into 31 functional classes, including metabolic enzymes, proteins involved in protein biosynthesis and homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism, and cell division. Cell division-related proteins were more abundant in early stages, while storage proteins were more abundant later in seed development. Wrinkled seeds had lower levels of the starch-branching enzyme (SBEI), which is essential for amylopectin biosynthesis. Seed storage proteins like legumin and albumin (PA2) were more abundant in round peas, whereas vicilin was more prevalent in wrinkled peas. This study enhances our understanding of seed development in round and wrinkled peas. The study highlighted the seed growth patterns and protein profiles in round and wrinkled peas during seed development. It showed how protein accumulation changed, particularly focusing on proteins implicated in cell division, seed reserve metabolism, as well as storage proteins and protease inhibitors. These findings underscore the crucial role of these proteins in seed development. By linking the proteins identified to Cameor-based pea reference genome, our research can open avenues for deeper investigations into individual proteins, facilitate their practical application in crop improvement, and advance our knowledge of seed development.
    Keywords:  differentially abundant proteins; label‐free proteomics; protein functional classes; round and wrinkled peas
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.202300363