Gene expression effect on pea protein accumulation

Abstract

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a good source of plant-based protein with important components like globulin, albumin, legumin(11S), prolamin, vicilin(7S), convicilin(8S) and gluteins. It possesses the functional properties like water solubility, hydration, oil holding capacity essential for the formulation of industrial products like Ripptein and protein powder. The study presents an environmental and phenotypic evaluation of pea accessions aimed at estimating the gene expression effect on pea protein accumulation. Understanding gene expression patterns associated with pea protein accumulation is vital to successful crop breeding and plant protein use. Factors impacting breeding and use include gene regulation, developmental biology, environmental factors, and agricultural practices. The experimental design included 300 Plant Identification accessions and four repeated checks planted in an augmented randomized complete block design (RCBD) with one replication in 2021 and two replications in 2022. Phenotypic evaluations included yield, plant height, pod characteristics, and protein content. PI 193837 had the greatest yield (2344 kg/ha) in 2021 and PI 193837 recorded highest yield (3676 kg/ha) in 2022. The average yield was 1536 kg/ha in 2021 and 1867 kg/ha in 2022. PI 269777 PSP had the greatest protein content (36.5%) in 2021 followed by PI 269802 PSP (36.3%) and the average protein content was 25%. In 2022, protein percentage was slightly decreased with PI 404225 PSP having 34% protein. Yield and protein content were significantly correlated (r=-0.2, p = 4.54e -10). Molecular analysis revealed differential gene expression patterns associated with pea protein accumulation, highlighting potential candidate genes and pathways. 456 significant genes were identified. Gene Ontology reveals protein synthesis and translation, stress response, transport function, carbon, propanoate metabolism and glycolysis- gluconeogenesis pathways associated with significant genes. 33 genes associated with storage seed protein in peas was identified. The identified genes and pathways help for genetic manipulation and breeding strategies to enhance nutritional content and functional properties for pea and other leguminous plants.