Proteomic Analysis of Wheat Flag Leaves During Grain Filling Under Heat Stress

Abstract

Heat stress during grain filling impairs wheat productivity. This study conducted a comparative proteomic analysis of wheat flag leaves exposed to high temperatures (35°C) during post-anthesis. Two cultivars—heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive—were analyzed using 2D-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF.
Differentially expressed proteins involved in photosynthesis, ROS scavenging, and protein folding were identified. The tolerant cultivar showed higher expression of HSP70, Rubisco activase, and SOD enzymes. Results reveal molecular mechanisms that contribute to thermotolerance and identify candidate proteins for breeding or genetic engineering.