Elucidation of Mechanisms Associated with Proline Metabolism and Redox Balance in Peanut Microsymbionts Exposed to Water Stress
摘要
Water stress affects symbiotic bacteria, which can alter their interactions with legumes. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of protection against water deficiency mediated by proline (PRO) in peanut microsymbionts, particularly regarding its influence on cellular redox balance. Peanut-inoculant strains Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144 and Bradyrhizobium sp. C−145 were treated with PRO (0–50 mM) to assess the transcription of genes involved in PRO catabolism (putA) and antioxidant defense, catalase (katG) and thioredoxin (trx). The strains were then subjected to four conditions: (I) control; (II) 50 mM PRO; (III) water stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) 30 mM, and (IV) combined PEG stress and PRO treatment. In Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144, PRO supplementation enhanced putA and antioxidant gene expression. Under PEG stress, PRO improved Bradyrhizobium sp. C−145 viability but did not reduce oxidative stress markers. In Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144, PEG stress increased PRO levels, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and lipid peroxidation. PRO addition mitigated oxidative damage and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity, indicating a protective role against oxidative stress. The oxidative and antioxidant responses to PEG-induced water stress differ between the two strains. The potential benefit of PRO appears to be more prominent in Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6144, where it partially counteracts PEG-induced oxidative damage, highlighting its potential role in stress adaptation.