Variation in the holm oak leaf proteome at different plant developmental stages, between provenances and in response to drought stress

Major proteins of the holm oak leaf proteome have been previously identified using a combination of 2-DE, MS analysis and BLAST similarity search (Jorge et al., Proteomics 2005, 5, 222-234). That study, conducted with field samples from mature trees, revealed the existence of a great variability in the 2-DE protein map, with qualitative as well as quantitative changes, both analytical and biological. A similar study has been carried out with 2-year-old seedlings to analyze and study: (i) changes in the 2-DE protein profile at different tree developmental stages; (ii) the 2-DE protein map variability between three different Spanish provenances; and (iii) variations in the 2-DE protein profile in response to drought stress. Although the protein profile of leaves from seedlings and mature trees was fairly similar, the biological variance found was lower in the former. In the present study, new proteins have been identified. At least four different protein spots differentiated Spanish provenances, two of them identified as an ATP synthase alpha chain, and a 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglycerate mutase. Fourteen different protein spots were qualitatively variable between well-watered and drought-stressed seedlings, with some of them corresponding to enzymes of carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Data presented indicated the mobilization of storage proteins and carbohydrates, as well as photosynthesis inhibition under drought conditions.