Env Exp Biol (2010) 8: 1–16

Transcriptome analysis of the barley nec3 mutant reveals a potential link with abiotic stress response related signaling pathways

Abstract

The transcriptome of two fast neutron induced allelic barley mutants, FN362 and FN363, was analyzed with the Affymetrix Barley1 GeneChip microarray in order to characterize the necrotic leaf spot 3 (nec3) gene and its function. Twenty one genes, at least twofold down-regulated in the mutants compared to the wild-type, were detected, but PCR analyses failed to identify a candidate Nec3 gene. It is possible that the probe set for the Nec3 gene is not on the Barley1 GeneChip, or that it is expressed at very low levels or the expression is confined to specific developmental stage or tissue type. Comparison of the genes differentially expressed in FN362 and FN363 mutants with publicly available Affymetrix Barley1 GeneChip expression data sets revealed significant overlap with barley abiotic stress transcriptome. The highest similarity was observed with the transcriptome of barley under drought and freezing stress. These results imply a possible involvement of the wild-type Nec3 in signaling pathways regulating abiotic stress response in barley.