Changes in the proteomic and polyamine profile induced by seed aging of Cariniana legalis (Martius) O. Kuntze

Abstract

Studies on metabolic processes and seed germinability of native endangered species are essential for its conservation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of accelerated aging on germination and on the proteomic and polyamine (PAs) profile in seeds of Cariniana legalis. The seeds were aged at 41, 43, 45 and 47ºC for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, under 100 % relative humidity using a completely randomized factorial design. The data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test. The temperature of 47ºC was efficient in simulating seed aging, with no germination after 72 h of incubation. At 41ºC, the germination did not change significantly until 96 h. The reduction in the concentration of total free PAs, mainly spermidine, and the down-accumulation of heat shock proteins in seeds aged at 47°C were associated with induction of seed aging. Furthermore, the down-accumulation of the aconitate hydratase protein and the up-accumulation of the alcohol dehydrogenase protein were associated with loss of seed germinability and rapid deterioration in seeds aged at 47°C. The aging of C. legalis seeds is related to alteration in the contents of PAs and accumulation of some proteins involved with the loss of germinability.