Effect of NaCl and mannitol on plasma membrane proteins in corn roots

Summary The short-term effects of NaCl and mannitol stress on plasma membrane (PM) polypeptides from corn roots (Zea mays L.) were determined using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis following radiolabeled amino acid incorporation. After 2.5 hours, both stress treatments altered synthesis of several polypeptides. Changes included up-regulation of some polypeptides with concomitant down-regulation of others. Some changes were unique to the stress treatment while others were common to both NaCl and mannitol. No new polypeptides appeared in either case. Pulse-chase experiments following 0.5-hours and 2.5-hours incubation periods with radiolabeled amino acids did not reveal differences in turnover of PM polypeptides. The results support the contention that altered synthesis of PM proteins under stress may contribute to the alteration of membrane function.Abbreviations ER endoplasmic reticulum: GA Golgi - PM plasma membrane - PVPP polyvinylpolypyrrolidone