Expression of related proteins and aquaporin genes in grape (<i>Vitis vinifera</i> L.) under salinity sress

Abstract

Due to worldwide increasing of salinity, the identification of genes conferring tolerance to plants is important. The aim of this study was to investigate salinity effects on the expression of three genes-related to proteins and aquaporin in grape (<em>Vitis vinifera </em>L.). Based on screening study on 18 grape genotypes, H6 and Gharashani that showed lower decrease in water potential, leaf area, leaf growth rate and relative water content under salinity, were selected as tolerant genotypes compared to sensitive ones (Shirazi and GhezelUzum). Plants were treated with 50 mM NaCl as a critical concentration for 0, 24 hours and 14 days. High expression of <em>VvFS41</em> gene in the sensitive genotypes under salinity showed that these genotypes used all of their capacity to survive under stress condition. The expression of <em>VvPHP1</em> showed no regular status. Expression of <em>VvPIP2.2 </em>decreased in roots of all genotypes under salinity and the determination of <em>VvPIP2.2</em> role seems be difficult in these genotypes. Based on the results, sensitive genotypes showed higher changes in proteins and aquaporin genes under salinity, but tolerant genotypes was more stable. Our findings showed a significant difference between tolerant and sensitive genotypes and highlighted a strong relationship between the accumulation of specific transcripts and stress tolerance.