Assessment of heterosis proteins in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

In the current research, the pattern of expression of hybrid proteins in the leaves of two maize inbred lines, B73 (female) and MO17 (male), as well as the F1, SC704, was investigated using 2-DE. A hydroponic experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. Leaf tissue proteome analysis of the two parents and their F1 showed that seven reproducible protein spots had significant modifications, revealing their up-regulation. These seven differentially expressed proteins were categorized into three functional groups, including the defense system, regulator, and energy metabolism. Proteomic analysis indicated that all proteins of the mid parent had prominent expression compared with that of the parental proteins. It can be concluded that in the significant vigor of hybrid SC704 was due to enhanced expression of proteins involved in defense, regulation, and energy metabolism.