Effects of aluminum stress on alfalfa root proteins 1

An estimated 40% of arable soils worldwide contain phytotoxic levels of aluminum (Al). Recent evidence indicates that Al‐stress‐induced low molecular weight proteins may bind Al in Al‐tolerant plants. The objective of this study was to investigate protein patterns in young roots of two Al‐sensitive and two Al‐tolerant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) clones grown at 0 and 111 μmol Al in pH 4.5 nutrient solution. Based on SDS‐PAGE of supernatant, Al stress resulted in an increase in detectable root proteins in all clones and results are consistent with results reported for other plant species. A proliferation of new low‐molecular‐weight proteins in the tolerant clones could be related to Al tolerance. One protein (18.7 kD) was produced in both tolerant clones yet not detected in the sensitive clones. Protein levels were more often reduced than enhanced under Al stress and reduction was more prevalent in sensitive than in tolerant clones. Aluminum stress may initiate the production of some of the same proteins in alfalfa and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Thell.). General stress proteins could be produced in reaction to a variety of chemical, environmental, and pathological stresses.