Identification of a 32-kDa anther marker protein for androgenic response in maize, Zea mays L.

Variations in the whole anther protein pattern have been investigated in a highly androgenic maize hybrid during the inductive pretreatment for androgenesis. It was found that a 32-kDa protein (MAR32) is induced and accumulates in the anthers during cold pretreatment of the tassel. A positive correlation between the rate of embryo formation via anther culture and the level of this protein after 7 days of cold treatment was observed. In addition, the in vivo synthesis of this protein by cold-pretreated anthers was demonstrated. Different responsive and non-responsive genotypes were also evaluated, and the accumulation of MAR32-like protein was only observed in certain responsive genotypes. The results suggest that the protein MAR32 is a marker for a form of androgenic responsiveness in maize.