Comparative proteomic profiles of the soybean (Glycine max) root apex and differentiated root zone

The root apical meristem (RAM) is responsible for the growth of the plant root system. Because of the importance of root architecture in the performance of crop plants, we established a proteome reference map of the soybean root apex and compared this with the proteome of the differentiated root zone. The root apex samples contained the apical 1 mm of the root, comprising the RAM, quiescent center and root cap. We identified 342 protein spots from 550 excised proteins (similar to 62%) of root apex samples by MALDI-TOF MS/MS analysis. All these proteins were also present in the differentiated root, but differed in abundance. Functional classification showed that the most numerous protein categories represented in the root were those of stress response, glycolysis, redox homeostasis and protein processing. Using DIGE, we identified 73 differentially accumulated proteins between root apex and differentiated root. Proteins overrepresented in the root apex belonged primarily to the pathways for protein synthesis and processing, cell redox homeostasis and flavonoid biosynthesis. Proteins underrepresented in the root apex were those of glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid metabolism and stress response. Our results highlight the importance of stress and defense response, redox control and flavonoid metabolism in the root apex.