Expression levels of tolerance and miRNA target genes in bread wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum) under salt stress

The wheat plant is constantly exposed to abiotic stresses such as salt stress and the yield is reduced. In our study, expression levels of genes relative to salt stress tolerance (GRP, CIPK29, SOS1, SOD2 and SAP1) and miRNA target genes (bHLH135-like transcription factor, PI-4 protease inhibitor like protein, SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like, 70 kDa HSP gene, AP2/EREBP transcription factor/RAP2-7-like ethylene response transcription factor, Got1/Sft2-like vesicle transport protein family isoform 1, Rab15B protein/ABA response gene) in the plant genomes were investigated when 11 genotypes (Tir, Karasu 90, Haymana 79, Kırmızıkılçık, Bayraktar 2000, Es 26, Müfitbey, Conkesme, Kocabuğday, Gerek 79 and Akbuğday) of Triticum aestivum plants exposed to 200 mM salinity stress. Moreover, the genes effective in salinity stress and tolerant genotypes were determined by the calculation of expression levels of miRNA targets and genes relative to tolerance. According to the results, related genes in the roots of wheat varieties were more upregulated than the genes in the stem samples. Besides, both physiological and gene expression results showed that Karasu 90 was the most tolerant genotype. Furthermore, miR482 target gene Rab15B protein and SOS1 were most effective contributors to salinity tolerance in wheat genotypes. CIPK29 and SOD2 genes were upregulated in the same genotypes under salt stress.