Variability and response to stresses in Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) by a proteomic approach

Abstract

Jorrín-Novo, J., Navarro-Cerrillo, R.M. 2014. Variability and response to different stresses in Andalusia Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) populations by a proteomic approach. Ecosistemas 23(2): 99-107. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2014.23-2.13

Abiotic stress conditions imposed by climate change and the progressive increase of insect pests and pathogens in the medium and long term, seriously threat to species and forest ecosystems. Generation of new knowledge to improve the description and documentation of biodiversity and forest genetic resources involve greater integration between molecular biologists and foresters, which ultimately promote the conservation of species and forest communities and the rational development of restoration programs and sustainable management of forest resources. Proteomic studies of Holm oak forest in Andalucia have contributed mainly in four areas of interest: i) describe and catalog Andalusian populations of Holm oak using -omics and analytical tools; ii) improve knowledge of genetic variability at the individual, intra-population and inter-population levels; iii) selecting genetic traits associated with tolerance to different types of stress (biotic and abiotic); and iv) identification of molecular markers for tree plus selection. Field samples and seedlings grown under controlled conditions were used both in optimal and stress conditions (drought and Phytophthora cinnamomi infection). We analyzed the protein profile of different organs, including pollen, fruit, leaves, and roots, using a proteomic approach based on two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. Data obtained allowed to establish an oak proteins catalog to identify those from specific populations, states of development, organ, or qualitative or quantitative response to stress. This review is a clear example of an oriented characterization, cataloging and conservation of genetic resources in Holm oak population of Andalucia, as a framework for the selection of potential progenitors better adapted to risks arising from biotic and abiotic agents, and the application of this framework in the management of oaks in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.