Modulation of proteome profile of banana (Musa spp.) under water deficit

Water deficit is one of the main abiotic stresses affecting banana cultivation compromising the productivity and sustainability of plantations. The response of plants to water restriction involves complex metabolic regulation and molecular networks that are fundamental for defense and adaptation. In our work, proteomic analysis was conducted on the roots of Musa spp. diploids aiming to identify differentially expressed proteins associated with tolerance to water deficiency and investigate their functional interactions. The contrasting genotypes regarding water deficit tolerance, PMGB043 (susceptible), and PMGB099 (tolerant), were selected based on physiological parameters. Protein analysis by 2D-SDS-PAGE revealed 260 and 188 spots in the PMGB043 genotype, under control and severe stress conditions, respectively, while in the PMGB099 genotype, 373 spots were detected under control and 426 under severe water stress conditions. Water deficit modulated the proteins expression in crucial processes such as transport, oxidation, methylation, energy metabolism, and defense responses suggesting different adaptation mechanisms between the genotypes. This is the first proteomic study to analyze the impact of water restriction on banana roots grown in a hydroponic system providing an in-depth insight into the molecular basis of water deficit tolerance in Musa spp. The results offer new perspectives to direct strategies for gene editing and precision breeding in developing banana cultivars that are more tolerant to water deficit.