Proteomic identification of differentially expressed proteins in Arabidopsis mutant ntm1-D with disturbed cell division.

Proteome analysis was performed to identify proteins differentially expressed in an Arabidopsis mutant, ntm1-D. In this mutant the NAC transcription factor NTM1 is constitutively expressed and the resultant phenotypic changes include dwarfism, serrated leaves, and altered floral structures, probably due to reduced cell division. Marked elevation of proteins mediating environmental stress responses, including annexin, vegetative storage proteins, beta-glucosidase homolog 1, and glutathione transferases was observed. Overexpression of annexin was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. These observations suggest that the reduced growth observed in the ntm1-D mutant is caused by enhancement of its stress responses, possibly resulting in a cost in fitness.