Gene Expression

Accumulation profiles of transcripts encoding both gluten and non-gluten proteins are examined during grain development under the different environmental regimens. Here the timing of expression of transcripts for proteins involved in several different processes are shown relative to the timing of key events in grain development under the 24/17 and 37/28°C regimens. Squares indicate times in development that specific transcripts can be detected by RT-PCR.

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Quantitative analyses using real time PCR (RT-PCR) reveal transcripts that increase in amount in response to high temperature (graph A) and transcripts that accumulate to similar levels under both conditions (graph B). Some of the genes whose transcripts respond to specific environmental conditions may play roles in flour quality.

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References

Altenbach, S.B. and Kothari, K.M. 2004. Transcript profiles of genes expressed in endosperm tissue are altered by high temperature during wheat grain development. J. Cereal Sci. 40: 115-126.

Altenbach, S.B., Kothari, K.M., Lieu, D. 2002. Environmental conditions during wheat grain development alter temporal regulation of major gluten protein genes. Cereal Chemistry 79(2): 279-285.

Hurkman, W.J., McCue, K.F., Altenbach, S.B., Korn, A., Tanaka, C.K. 2003. Johnson, E.L., Bechtel, D.B., Anderson, O.D., DuPont, F.M. Expression of genes for starch biosynthesis is regulated by high temperature in developing wheat endosperm. Plant Science 164(5): 873-881.