Research Article Open Access

Genetic and Bioinformatic Characterization of Puroindoline A and Puroindoline B in Italian Wheat Cultivars

Abstract

Wheat kernel texture is a critical property influencing wheat raw material processing and end use products features. Wheat grain texture is a genetically determined and inherited trait. Differences among wheat cultivars reside in variable puroindoline a and b (Pina and Pinb) allelic forms, leading to a continuous range of variable grain hardness. Genetic determination of Pina and Pinb sequences in a large number of international cultivars has led to the assessment of genetic polymorphisms on wheat grain texture. Here we report the identification of Pina-D1 and Pinb-D1 allelic polymorphism in twenty-eight Italian soft wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) and ten Italian durum wheat cultivars (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum). In contrast to previous studies, our results revealed the presence of Pinb-D1b, Pinb-D1d and Pina-D1b (deletion allele) alleles in Italian cultivars. Since only some puroindoline a and b alleles have been investigated for their direct effect on wheat grain texture, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of puroindoline polymorphisms, to predict the possible impact of the biological function of such proteins on wheat. This investigation could provide useful information to extend the current knowledge about genetic determinants of kernel hardness in soft wheat and indications for breeding and food product applications.

Bruna De Felice, Francesco Manfellotto and Raffaella D’Alessandro

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