Aim: This research seeks to clarify the proteomic alterations linked to PBR cowpea in comparison to its non-transgenic isoline. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to pinpoint critical biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components that exhibit upregulation in the transgenic cowpea.
Methods: Seeds from both cowpea lines were finely ground, and proteins were extracted utilizing Tris-EDTA and LDS buffers. The proteins were then separated and identified through mass spectrometry (MS), with peptide sequences being matched against protein sequence databases.
Results: The enrichment analysis indicated upregulation in pathways associated with pollen tube adhesion, cell-cell adhesion, and biological processes pertinent to both intraspecies and interspecies interactions with no significant difference. Importantly, pathways linked to defense mechanisms against fungi and other organisms were notably enriched, suggesting an enhanced ability to detect and respond to biotic stresses. The results of this study does not underscore any substantial proteomic modifications in the transgenic cowpea.
Conclusion: These findings offer valuable targets for genetic engineering and breeding initiatives aimed at creating cowpea varieties with enhanced pest resistance, thus improving crop yield and sustainability. Future investigations should concentrate on validating these proteins and pathways through functional assays and examining their roles in resistance under field conditions.
Key words: Transgenic cowpea; Pod borer resistance; Proteomic analysis; Pathway enrichment; Up-regulated proteins
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