Utilization of plant profilins as DNA markers

This study aims to explore the possibility of utilizing markers derived from profilin sequences for the genomic fingerprinting of plant organisms. Profilins are a category of small actin-binding proteins that are present in all eukaryotic cells. Despite profilins being ubiquitous, some forms are also clinically relevant because of their ability to induce allergic responses in sensitized individuals. We conducted a PCR analysis on DNA samples obtained from 11 vegetable species (Brassica oleracea L. in 4 varieties) using two types of primers: non-degenerate and degenerate. In the case of degenerate primers, a total of 51 amplification products of different lengths were recorded, while their average amount was in the range of 7-8 amplicons for one species. The most frequently occurring product was the product with a length of 249 bp. A lower degree of polymorphism was noted when non-degenerate primers were used. The total number of different products created by amplification using non-degenerate primers was 33 and there was an average of 5 amplicons in one sample. As indicated by the findings, implementation of degenerate primers was more suitable for genomic fingerprinting based on profilin sequences in vegetable species, as it led to a higher level of variability in the amplification profiles of distinct species. It can be stated that amplification based on profilin sequences proved to be sufficient in its versatility and efficiency in generating variable-length polymorphism of PCR products.