Characterization and molecular interpretation of the photosynthetic traits of Lonicera confusa in Karst environment

PLoS One. 2014 Jun 24;9(6):e100703. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100703. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Lonicera confusa was a medical plant which could adapt to the Ca-rich environment in the karst area of China. The photosynthesis, relative chlorophyll content,differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of L. confusa that cultivated in calcareous and sandstone soils were investigated. The results showed that the relative chlorophyll content and net photosynthesis rate of L. confusa in calcareous soil are much higher than that planted in sandstone soil, the higher content of calcium might play a role in keeping the chloroplast from harm and showed higher photosynthesis rate. The transpiration and stomata conductance were decreased in calcareous soil, which might result from the closure of stomata. The GeneFishing and proteomic results showed that the expression of DEGs and DEPs were critical for photosynthesis and stomata closure, such as RuBisCO, photosynthetic electron transfer c and malate dehydrogenase varied in the leaves of L. confusa that cultivated in different soils. These DEGs or DEPs were further found to be directly or indirectly regulated by calcium sensor proteins. This study enriched our knowledge of the molecular mechanism of high net photosynthesis rate and lower transpiration of L. confusa that cultivated in the calcareous soil in some degree.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chlorophyll
  • Environment*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Lonicera / physiology*
  • Photosynthesis*
  • Plant Leaves / physiology
  • Plant Leaves / ultrastructure
  • Plant Stomata / metabolism
  • Plant Stomata / ultrastructure
  • Proteomics
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase
  • Soil
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Soil
  • Chlorophyll
  • Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase

Grants and funding

The research was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (31270373), Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars of Hubei Province of China (2010CDA097), New Century Talents Support Program by the Ministry of Education of China (NCET110172) and Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resources Comprehensive Utilization (2011BLKF247). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.