ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the proteomic difference between mycorrhizal fungi infected and uninfected plants and then to explore the possible anti-drought mechanism caused by mycorrhizal fungi. METHODS: The differential proteome of Anoectochilus formosanus infected by Rhizoctonia sp. growing in drought was investigated by means of 2D gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Eight proteins were involved in photosynthesis, among them 7 proteins were correlated with CO2 fixation of darkreaction. Meanwhile, C4 pathway suited in drought condition was mobilized by the plants to utilize CO2 thoroughly. Five proteins were involved in glyoometabolism and li-pometabolism, and 3 in protein synthesis. CONCLUSION: Increased darkreaction of photosynthesis, especially the C4 pathway in infected fungi can enhance the capability of CO2 fixation and utilization when the stoma is closed. The glycometabolism, lipometabolism, protein synthesis, and resistance to pests of the infected plants are also enhanced in drought condition. Fungus of Rhizoctonia sp. can help plants improve their capability to resist drought.