Exogenous calcium regulates the growth and development of Pinus
massoniana detecting by physiological, proteomic, and calcium-related
genes expression analysis
Abstract
In the presented study, a combined physiology, proteomics and gene
expression study was performed using P. massoniana seedlings
cultivated at various calcium levels. The aim of the study is to
investigate the impacts of exogenous calcium on P. massoniana
seedling growth and development and to reveal the underlying molecular
mechanisms. The results showed that calcium deficiency lead to severe
seedling growth and development inhibition while adequate exogenous
calcium markedly improved the growth and development. The underlying
mechanisms involved diverse calcium influenced biological processes and
metabolism pathways including photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism
and energy production, protein metabolism, secondary metabolism and
calcium signal transduction and calcium ion homeostasis. In general,
calcium deficiency inhibited or impaired these pathways and processes,
while sufficient exogenous calcium improved and benefited these cellular
events through regulating a number of related enzymes and proteins.
Besides, adequate exogenous calcium supply relieved oxidation stress
which occurred at low calcium level. Enhanced cell wall formation and
consolidation and cell division also play a role in exogenous calcium
improved P. massoniana seedling growth and development. Our study
facilitates the elucidation of the potential regulatory role of calcium
in P. massoniana physiology and biology and is of guiding
significance in pinaceae plants forestry.