Shotgun proteomic analysis of embryonic axis of soybean seeds during germination under salt stress

Salinity is one of the main environmental stresses worldwide limiting soybean growth and yield. Seed imbibition and radical emergence are generally less affected by salinity in soybean. Towards unraveling the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in soybean at germination stage, a comprehensive quantitative proteomic analysis of proteins from soybean embryonic axis during germination sensu stricto (GSS) under saline conditions was performed. Application of 100 and 200 mmol L-1 NaCl at GSS was significantly accompanied by the change in abundance (>2-fold) of 97 and 75 proteins, respectively. Most of these proteins were involved in three major functions, namely stress response and defense, protein turnover and protection and primary metabolism. Our results pave the way towards the identification of suitable biomarkers useful for improving salt tolerance in soybean.