Grain proteins as markers of genetic traits in wheat

Different protein fractionation techniques were used to define differences between a set of 8 wheat lines used in genetic mapping studies in Australia . A proteomics approach was used to establish the feasibility of identifyin g new protein polymorphisms for mapping purposes. Detailed analysis confirm ed differences in the glutenin subunits, gliadin proteins, and 10-20 other proteins, between the mapping population parents, Cranbrook, Halberd, CD87, and Katepwa. Differences were particularly evident in the low molecular we ight classes of protein. Alternative technologies were used to determine th e differences in various protein classes in order to screen doubled haploid lines derived from crosses between the wheat lines. Polyacrylamide gel ele ctrophoresis analysis allowed the mapping of loci encoding high molecular w eight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunit proteins. Rever sed phase high performance liquid chromatography also allowed several loci encoding LMW glutenin subunit proteins to be mapped, as well as a new prote in on chromosome 6A. Capillary electrophoresis provided a high-resolution s ystem that was used to map several gliadin-type proteins. The studies showe d that proteins provide useful genetic markers and the data are discussed f rom the point of view of the advantages that protein-based markers offer in providing both genotypic and phenotypic data.