Differential abundance proteins associated with rapid growth of etiolated coleoptiles in maize

Since Charles Darwin discovered growth movements of the shoot tip (coleoptile) toward light, the grass coleoptiles have long been used as a model system to study plant growth. Rapid growth of the coleoptile is vital for successful seed germination and early seedling establishment. However, the proteome changes underlying the rapid growth of the coleoptiles are not yet clear in the model plant maize ( Zea mays). In the present study, we investigated proteome changes in vivo occurring in the rapidly growing coleoptiles of maize with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry. A quantitative comparison of the proteomes at 1.5, 3, and 5 days after germination showed significant changes in protein profiles with coleoptile growth. As a result, 31 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) representing 44 protein spots were identified, of which 21 DAPs with increased abundances were implied in growth-related processes, including translational initiation, transcription regulation, protein and other compound synthesis, H+-transmembrane transport and cytoskeleton organization. The selected DAPs were confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunoblot analysis. We suggested that the rapid growth of the coleoptile is largely due to its ability to quickly enhance relevant cellular processes, especially the increased synthesis of the growth-related DAPs. The content of indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid decreased significantly, and the content of gibberellins first decreased and then increased during the elongation of coleoptile. This study provides new insight into the significance of proteome changes in coleoptile growth.

Automated summary

This study investigated proteome changes in rapidly growing maize coleoptiles using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Significant changes in protein profiles were observed at specific time points, with 21 proteins related to growth processes. The rapid growth of coleoptiles is largely attributed to enhanced cellular processes and increased synthesis of growth-related proteins.