Comparative proteomic analysis reveals that the Heterosis of two maize hybrids is related to enhancement of stress response and photosynthesis respectively

Abstract Background Heterosis refers to superior traits exhibiting in a hybrid when compared with both parents. Generally, the hybridization between parents can change expression pattern of some proteins such as non-additive (NAPs) which might lead heterosis. ‘Zhongdan808’ (ZD808) and ‘Zhongdan909’ (ZD909) are excellent maize hybrids China, however, heterosis mechanism them not clear. Proteomics has been wildly used many filed, comparative proteomic analysis its is helpful for understanding two hybrids. Results Over 2000 protein groups were quantitatively identified from second seedling leaves their by label-free quantification. Statistical total proteins, differentially accumulated (DAPs) NAPs revealed that more similar female In addition, most DAPs up-regulated high parent abundance or above-high ZD808, while ZD909, down-regulated low below-low abundance. Pathway enrichment showed stress response-related ZD808 abundance, PS related ZD909 Finally, four eight verified PRM, ten had significant differences midparent value. Conclusions Even though every one at proteome level, biological basis different comparison parents, agronomic mainly correlated levels responses metabolic functions, expressed photosynthesis. Our proteomics results support previous physiological morphological research have provided useful information reason valuable traits.