Genome-wide identification and analysis of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in wheat

Citation

Goyal RK, Gonzàlez-Peña Fundora D, Vivar M, Laroche A, Tulpan D, Foroud NA. Genome-wide identification and analysis of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in wheat. 3rd Canadian Wheat Symposium, Ottawa ON, CANADA, November 22-25, 2016. p.48

Résumé

The sessile nature of plants exposes them to a multitude of abiotic stresses that differ both in quality and quantity. MAPKs are a critical component of the signalling mechanism that perceives the threat stimuli and initiates a defense response. MAPKs have been shown to participate in various abiotic defense responses. The research progress on MAPK signalling in wheat, however, is meagre as compared to other plant species, which is largely due to the lack of information on MAPKs in this species. Our analysis of the wheat (Triticum aestivum) genome data has identified various single MAPKs (TaMPKs), double MAPKs (TaMAPKKs) and triple MAPKs (TaMAPKKKs) on different chromosomes. Homologous sequences were also identified in the ancestral genomes of bread wheat: Aegilops tauchii and Triticum urartu. A comprehensive list of their DNA and protein sequences with correct annotation of names has been developed. The interaction, observed through yeast two-hybrid assays, among certain TaMPKs and TaMAPKKs is reminiscent of the MAPK signalling cascade for the defense activation mechanism present across the plant kingdom. Phylogenetic analysis of conserved motifs revealed a tendency of diversification from other plant MAPKs. The presence of multi-variants of several MAPKs could be an outcome of a complex genome formed through integration of A, B and D genomes during evolution. Differential expression of various MAPKs in different types of tissues indicates their specific or preferential role in wheat plant biology. This work builds a platform that would help accelerate MAPK signalling research to better understand the abiotic stress response in wheat.