Plants respond to stress conditions by altering genetic pathways. In this study, we aimed to identify and analyze differentially expressed genes in leaves of two grape varieties (genotypes) that were grown in Palestine either in a semi-arid region with a prolonged drought and high temperature stress or in a temperate region with moderate stress levels. In total, twelve transcripts with altered expression patterns, either by stress or genotype, were identified with the differential display RT-PCR (DDRT-PCR) technique and validated via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Eight transcripts represent genes that are down-regulated by stress in the leaves of at least one variety, among of which are members of the DEAD-box RNA helicase, Haloacid Dehalogenase (HAD) hydrolase, kinesin-like, and mitochondrial Adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT) gene families. Two genes encoding for members of the GDSL Lipase/Esterase and Multiprotein Bridging Factor (MBF) gene families were found to be up-regulated in stressed leaves. Two transcripts coding for a NAC-domain containing protein and a WD-repeat containing protein, respectively, were found to be non-responsive to those abiotic stresses but are differentially expressed in a genotype-dependent manner.
