Global analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in drought tolerance and sucrose accumulation in two varieties of cane sugar

Abstract

The Brazilian Etanol and Sugar Production areas are expanding, including areas of the Midwest and Northeast where water availability is scarce or irregular. The establishment of the crop in the field is critical to the agriculture success, since it defines the potential production thereof directly reflecting in the national industry. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that regulate drought tolerance and accumulation of sucrose in sugarcane. In this context, this project proposes to study the global profile of transcripts, proteins and metabolites in leaves and stems of two varieties of sugarcane contrasting in drought tolerance. To this end we propose transcripts analyzes by q PCR, proteomic analysis by bidimensional gels and subsequent protein identification by MALDI-TOF-MS. We also propose the analysis of primary and secondary metabolites by gas and liquid chromatography associated to mass spectrometry. The data generated will permit the identification of genes, proteins and potential pathways for more detailed studies. The data can also result in the identification of molecular markers, which may be used in experiments of assisted selection. Moreover, the information obtained can also be extrapolated to understand the mechanisms of drought tolerance and sucrose accumulation in other plant species. (AU)