Proteomic analysis of Pennisetum glaucum under drought stress

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br] is the fifth most important cereal crop next to rice, wheat, maize, and sorghum. It is cultivated especially by small holder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions because of its drought resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms during drought stress in Pennisetum remain elusive. In the present study we have used a shotgun proteomics approach (GEL-LC-Orbitrap-MS) for identification and quantification of proteins from different tissues (root, seed and leaf) under drought and control conditions. Plants were grown in a tube system to survey root growth under drought stress. The water content was measured in the upper and the lower part of the tube using soil moisture sensors. Under drought stress root elongation was observed. Measurement of stomatal conductance showed a clear response to drought stress. For proteomics measurements root, leaf and seed tissues were harvested. In total 2281 proteins were identified, 1095 in root, 1299 in seed, and 1208 in leaf in both stress and control conditions.