Using cDNA SCoT method to identify differentially expressed genes in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Date palm is a relatively salt- and drought-tolerant plant and more recent efforts have been focused on recognizing genes and pathways that confer stress tolerance in this species. The cDNA start codon targeted marker (cDNA–SCoT) technique is a novel, simple, fast and effective method for differential gene expression investigation. In the present study, this technique was exploited to identify differentially expressed genes during several stress treatments in date palm. A total of 12 SCoT primers combined with oligo-dT primers amplified differentially expressed fragments among the stress treatments and control samples. Differentially expressed fragments were highly homologous to known genes or encoded unclassified proteins with unknown functions. The expression patterns of the genes that had direct or indirect relationships with salinity and drought stress response were identified and their possible roles were discussed. This study suggests that the cDNA-SCoT differential display method is a useful tool to serve as an initial step for characterizing transcriptional changes induced by abiotic stresses and provide gene information for further study and application in genetic improvement and breeding in date palm.