The Pinb-2 genes in wheat comprise a multigene family with great sequence diversity and important variants

The puroindoline genes Pina-D1 and Pinb-D1 located at the Ha locus on chromosome 5D of common wheat are considered the most important genetic determinants of grain hardness. The recent identification of Pinb-2 genes on group 7 chromosomes emphasises the need for detailed analysis of the genetics of this important trait. This study focussed on the analysis of Pinb-2 genes from accessions of hexaploid, tetraploid and diploid wheat, to address key questions related to their diversity and possible roles. Extensive DNA sequence heterogeneity was identified in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), leading to seventeen reproducible haplotypes, of which thirteen are new. The results confirmed the known groups Pinb-2v1 to Pinb-2v5, identified a new group Pinb-2v6, and showed that the Pinb-2 genes comprised a small multigene family, at least in some genomes. The putative proteins exhibited changes at the important tryptophan-rich domain as well as basic and hydrophobic residues. A new Pina-D1 allele (at Ha locus) was also identified, designated Pina-D1t, with a premature stop codon at the TRD. Additionally, peptides designed on PINB-2 proteins displayed activity against bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. The data strongly support the Pinb-2 genes being functionally relevant to roles including influencing grain texture. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.